A volcanic eruption occurred Tuesday morning (1/4) on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwestern Iceland, a few hours after the evacuation of the small town of Grindavik and the famous Blue Lagoon tourist destination.

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the eruption began at 09:45 local time (11:45 GMT), just north of Grindavik. Within less than an hour, the rift that opened in the ground reached a length of 700 meters and continued to expand.

The volcanic activity occurred after a series of earthquakes struck the area around the Sudnuk volcanic field at 06:30 in the morning.

Preventive evacuation and closed roads

Authorities had already ordered a precautionary evacuation of the area, while road access to and from the town of Grindavik remains closed. Flights are currently unaffected.

Meanwhile, authorities urged those who may still be in Grindavik to leave the area immediately. Local media reported that earlier on Tuesday several people refused to obey the evacuation order.