A volcano erupted in southern Iceland on Saturday night, marking the latest in a series of eruptions in the area. The event, which occurred around 8:30 p.m., was characterized by lava fountains and a nearly two-mile-long fissure that opened up on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

The eruption took place near the town of Grindavik, in close proximity to the Svartsengi Power Plant and the popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon. The Icelandic Meteorological Office received indications of a possible eruption only 40 minutes before it happened, sending out the first warning just moments before the eruption began.

Shortly after the eruption, authorities evacuated both the Blue Lagoon and Grindavik, with approximately 700 visitors at the Blue Lagoon at the time. While Grindavik has a population of about 4,000, few residents were in town when the eruption occurred.

Due to the eruption’s threat to local infrastructure, authorities declared a state of emergency in the area. The situation is being closely monitored as experts assess the impact and potential risks associated with the volcanic activity.

This recent eruption serves as a reminder of Iceland’s unique geological landscape and the potential for natural disasters in the region. Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.