Thousands forced to flee as huge Iceland volcano erupts

A state of emergency has been declared in Iceland after a volcano erupted for the fourth time in recent months, spewing bright orange lava metres into the air. The dramatic event marks the fourth "alarming" volcanic eruption in three months along the Reykjavik peninsula, nearby the abandoned town of Grindavik.

- ATHENA STAVROU

The Icelandic Met Office said last night that the fissure had opened as livestreams of the event saw fountains of lava spewing into the sky.

“Warning: An eruption began in Reykjanes,” the Icelandic Meteorological Office said on its website, while Reykjavik’s nearby Keflavik Airport’s website showed it remained open both for departures and arrivals.

Authorities had warned for weeks of an imminent eruption. Iceland’s Civil Protection Agency said prior to the latest explosion: “Since October 24, scientists at the Icelandic Met Office have been monitoring a rise in seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which may signal an impending volcanic eruption.

“The heightened intensity of these seismic events, particularly near the town of Grindavík, indicates the potential for volcanic activity in the area.