A volcanic eruption has started on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) confirmed. Authorities have not reported any immediate threat to nearby populations, and no evacuations have been announced.
The eruption appears to originate from a fissure that is expanding northeastward, sending a plume of ash and gas approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) into the sky, according to the IMO. Live webcams in the area show vibrant lava flows spilling across the landscape.
Despite earlier signs of land uplift and magma accumulation beneath the Svartsengi region, seismic activity near the eruption remained minimal. The IMO had previously suggested that an eruption in November was unlikely.
No injuries or property damage have been reported, and authorities have not issued any urgent warnings.
Iceland, situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is one of the most geologically areas on Earth, frequently experiencing volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The Reykjanes Peninsula, in particular, has seen multiple eruptions since 2021. Among these was the high-profile event near Fagradalsfjall, which caught attention with its dramatic lava flows and towering plumes.