A volcano in the Reykjanes Peninsula, on the Sundhnúkur Crater Row experienced an intense seismic swarm which later caused an eruption in the area southeast of Litla-Skógfell, according to Iceland’s meteorology office.

The eruptive fissure was reportedly 700 to 1000m long according to Icelandic authorities, but grew to 2.4 kilometres at its largest point.

The meteorology office warned residents to stay indoors as gas pollution from the volcano would affect Reykjanesbær, Vogar, Sandgerði, and Garð.

It added that ‘fine glass fibres, formed when lava droplets cool rapidly and stretch,’ had been reported. ‘They are very light and can travel long distances,’ and ‘can cause skin and eye irritation.’

Lava covered an area of 3.2 kilometres, flowing north and northeast from the source, and ‘spread widely across Kálffellsheiði and towards Svartsengi.’

It said that gas pollution and wildfires are continuing.