Iceland's volcanic terror: Lava heads towards Grindavik as residents rush to evacuate

A volcanic fissure has opened up, causing lava to flow a few hundred yards north of Grindavik and headed in its direction.

"Before it gets there, it might take anywhere from half a day to a day," said Kristin Jonsdottir, a natural hazards expert at the Icelandic Meteorological Institute.

A series of earthquakes rocked the region from Saturday to Sunday, leading to the decision to evacuate Grindavik's residents. The town is now partially without power.

The volcano that erupted is situated north of Grindavik, which has a population of 4,000, including a distinguished Polish community.

"Before the lava reaches, it may take from half a day to a day," said Kristin Jonsdottir, a natural hazards expert at the Icelandic Meteorological Institute.

The volcanic eruption caused deep fissures in the earth, creating fountains of ejected lava). These streams of lava are joining together to create a fiery lake, which gradually moves toward the town, reaching it around 3 PM Eastern Time on Sunday.

Iceland's President Gudni Johannesson assures that no lives are in danger, with only infrastructure at potential risk. Air traffic remains unaffected. However, the decision was made to close the nearby Blue Lagoon swimming area and its access roads.

Reykjanes Peninsula witnessed a previous volcanic eruption at the end of December last year.

A construction worker engaged in rehabilitation fell into a fissure created by volcanic activity last Wednesday. He and his colleagues are filling these fissures to restore the townscape.

A rescue team of 40 was deployed to rescue the fallen worker. It was announced on Sunday that the operation had successfully concluded.