Iceland calm as lava flow continues

Glowing red lava is still flowing after a volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula, about 30km south west of the capital Reykjavik, a "relatively small" one according to the country's government.

Live images broadcast on Icelandic television showed molten lava coming from a fissure several hundred metres long in the rugged landscape.

White smoke rose continuously from the molten rock.

According to initial measurements, the eruption was much more powerful in the early hours than at the beginning of a similar one in 2021.

A series of earthquakes that heralded the eruption also continued: on Thursday morning, a quake with a magnitude of 4.6 was measured on the peninsula, according to data from the Icelandic Meteorological Authority.

The number of tremors, however, has decreased noticeably since the eruption, according to the authority.

The eruption started on Wednesday afternoon near the mountain Fagradalsfjall.

Scientists expected one due to earthquakes and associated underground magma movements.

There is no major danger to people or the surrounding area, according to findings so far.

The island's government also remained calm, with Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir speaking of a "relatively small" eruption.

"We've been expecting an eruption somewhere in this area since the series of earthquakes started last weekend," Iceland's prime minister said in a statement.

"What we know so far is that the eruption does not pose any risk to populated areas or critical infrastructure," she added.

It is still unclear how long the eruption will last.

An eruption on the same peninsula last year left lava fountains shooting upwards for months.

The natural spectacle attracted countless volcanologists, hikers and travellers.

This time, too, curious onlookers have made their way to the eruption site, with media reports speaking of thousands of people.

A helicopter pilot told broadcaster RUV that the number of requests for helicopter tours has skyrocketed.

So far, however, the airspace over the volcano is still closed.

The government also advised hikers to stay of the area due to the gas development.

Iceland's chief police officer Vidir Reynisson, in comments to RUV, said that the kilometre-long route to the eruption site was only suitable for experienced hikers.

The area is relatively sparsely populated but is home to the country's most important airport, which handles practically almost all air traffic to and from the island.

According to the government, operations have not been affected by the eruption so far.