Following a series of earthquakes in Iceland, a volcano erupted in the Reykjanes Peninsula, sending a river of lava toward surrounding towns on Monday, Dec. 18. Local authorities declared a state of emergency, and tourist locations are closed as hundreds of cubic meters of lava spewed across the peninsula.

In a statement, the Icelandic government said the “eruption does not present a threat to life.” The government added that this has been classified as a fissure eruption, which usually doesn’t result in large explosions or significant production of ash.

An eruption has begun near the evacuated town of Grindavík. Our priorities remain to protect lives and infrastructure. Civil Defence has closed off the affected area. We now wait to see what the forces of nature have in store. We are prepared and remain vigilant.
📷 @Vedurstofan pic.twitter.com/yKx4WKU61c

— President of Iceland (@PresidentISL) December 19, 2023

The eruption was expected and highly anticipated as seismic activity had been detected and closely monitored for weeks by Icelandic officials. While tourist locations closed and evacuation orders given, the airport remained opened, international and local air travel has not been disrupted, according to the Icelandic government.

The U.S. Embassy warned Americans to avoid the area around the volcano and to adhere to local guidance. After the volcano erupted, Iceland Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir posted to Facebook thanking first responders and scientists.

“Our thoughts are with the locals now as ever, we hope for the best but it can be clear that this is a considerable eruption.” Jakobsdóttir wrote. “It is important to give responders space to do their work and follow traffic instructions.”

In November, more than 3,000 people were evacuated from a fishing town that sits less than two miles from the volcano following seismic activity. While scientists said the eruption on Monday, Dec. 18, was more powerful than three previous ones and happened unusually fast, reports said the lava now seems to be flowing away from towns and infrastructure, but until it fully stops, scientists warn there is a chance the flow could change.

“The eruption is not expected to impact additional populated areas. The risk to nearby energy infrastructure is currently being assessed,” the government’s statement read.