A volcanic eruption began Monday night in Iceland, south of the capital Reykjavik, following an earthquake swarm, Iceland’s Meteorological Office said.

For weeks, the Nordic country has been on high alert for a potential eruption at any moment after a period of intense seismic activity on the southwest peninsula, which last month prompted evacuation orders.

“At 22:17 this evening, a volcanic eruption began north of Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula,” the IMO said, adding that it could be seen from nearby webcams.

See Also:

Texas governor signs new immigration law allowing state to arrest migrants

The live-streamed footage of the eruption showed large jets of glowing orange lava spewing into the night sky, surrounded by billowing red smoke.

“A Coast Guard helicopter will take off shortly to confirm the exact location and size of the eruption,” the IMO said.

Continue here: AFP