"The Earth opening up': Iceland volcano erupts after weeks of intense activity

A volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland has erupted after weeks of intense earthquake activity, spewing glowing orange jets of lava surrounded by billowing clouds of red smoke.

- Miranda Bryant Helen Livingstone

"Warning: eruption has started north of Grindavík by Hagafell," the meteorological office said on its website on Monday. The eruption started a few miles from Grindavík, a fishing town about 25 miles southwest of Iceland's capital, Reykjavík.

Grindavík, with a population of 4,000, was evacuated in November after the area was hit by a "seismic swarm" of more than 1,000 small earthquakes in 24 hours.

The government yesterday said the eruption did not present a threat to life, adding that there were no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland, while international flight corridors remained open.

Although unlikely, as this type of eruption does not usually produce much ash, experts said there could yet be some effect on air travel.

Describing the style of eruption as "amongst the most spectacular ever seen", Matthew Watson, professor of volcanoes and climate at the University of Bristol, said: "There will be a strong pull for tourists. Tourists should strictly follow official advice as there are significant hazards, such as new breakouts, which can quickly put people in harm's way." The eruption began at about 10.17 pm local time after a series of small earthquakes at about 9 pm, the Met Office said.

Iceland's prime minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, said her thoughts were with the people of Grindavík "now we see the Earth opening up".

"Our thoughts are with the local people as before; we hope for the best, but it can be clear that this is quite an eruption. It is important to give emergency responders space to do their work and follow traffic instructions."