Mapped: Newest location of Iceland volcano eruption and lava flows proven in new photos

A volcano in southwest Iceland has lastly erupted, spewing rivers of lava from at the least a four-km-long fissure, weeks after scores of earthquakes jolted the Reykjanes peninsula.

The eruption late on Monday spewed lava and smoke greater than 100 metres into the air after weeks of intense seismic exercise that prompted the evacuation of the whole fishing city of Grindavik.

The Icelandic Met Workplace (IMO) on Tuesday stated the crack was nonetheless three kilometres away from the Grindavik and that the facility of the volcano was reducing.

Nonetheless, the IMO warned that extra vents have been anticipated to open because the lava circulation continued nicely into Wednesday. “Whereas the eruption continues at Sundhnúksgíga, there may be an elevated probability that extra vents might open alongside the unique fissure in addition to additional north or south.

“Trying again on the lead-up to the eruption reveals that there have been roughly 90 minutes between the primary indicators and the beginning of the eruption. Subsequently, the warning time for brand spanking new vent openings at Sundhnúk might be very brief,” the met workplace stated.

The IMO shared a map on its web site exhibiting the newest place of the almost four-km-long fissure (marked in purple) east of the Svartsengi geothermal plant and northeast of the fishing city of Grindavik.

Iceland’s overseas minister Bjarni Benediktsson has raised issues for the “important” Svartsengi energy station, positioned almost 4km west of the volcano.

Mr Benediktsson stated that authorities have constructed a barrier across the geothermal plant to guard it from the lava flows however issues remained for the infrastructure. “There’s a important energy plant there which is immensely essential for the inhabitants of the peninsula,” he stated in a press release.

The eruption was “a lot bigger than those we have had within the final three years”, he added.

A separate satellite tv for pc picture shared by the IMO reveals the brand new eruptive fissure (yellow line) and lava flows (coloured space) east of the geothermal plant.

The volcano erupted almost 48km from the capital of Reykjavik and about 28 miles from Keflavik Worldwide Airport.

The Icelandic authorities in a press release stated flights to and from the airport would proceed regardless of the proximity to the eruption.

“The eruption doesn’t current a risk to life,” a authorities assertion stated. “There are not any disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and worldwide flight corridors stay open.”

In the meantime, authorities have warned that the eruption was releasing “appreciable” poisonous gases which might result in fuel air pollution within the capital.

“Please be suggested that this eruption is releasing appreciable poisonous gases and persons are strongly suggested in opposition to visiting the location of the eruption whereas responders and scientists assess the scenario,” the Icelandic Icelandic Vacationer Board advised CNN on Tuesday.