The volcanic eruption begins in Iceland near Gralevik

A volcanic eruption in the southwestern Iceland began on the Reakezhanes Peninsula in Southwestern Iceland.

The Iceland Meteorological Service said the eruption began around 09.45 local time (10:45 BST), north of the small town of Gralev. Less than an hour later, the crack opened in the ground was 700 meters wide (2296 feet) and continues to grow.

The eruption took place after hundreds of earthquakes hit the area known as Sundhnúks Crater Row around 6:30 local time.

Both Grinkavík and the nearby Blue Lagoon Spa, a popular tourist destination, were already ordered to evacuate in anticipation of the eruption. The roads aimed at and outside the city remain closed, but the flights are currently not affected.

By 11:00 local time, the Iceland meteorological office (IMO) said the original fissure had extended south and a new crack opened.

The officials called on all the people who remain in Greenwik to leave. On Tuesday, several persons refused to follow the evacuation order, Icelandic media reported.

Police chief in its region of its region Lúðvíksson told local media that only about 40 houses were occupied by residents after previous volcanic activities.

Most of the 4,000 Grinkavík residents were constantly evacuated in November 2023, before eruptions in December 2023 and January, February and March 2024.

The length of the current magma tunnel, which has formed under the Crater series in the area, is about 11 km (6.8 miles) – the longest, which is measured since November 11, 2023, IMO reported.

Based on the current wind direction, the pollution of the gas from the eruption will travel northeast to the capital, IMO added.

On the Reicjane Peninsula, numerous eruptions have occurred since 2021.

The last time the peninsula had a period of volcanic activity was 800 years ago – and the eruptions continued for decades.

Iceland has 33 active volcano systems and sits above what is known as the Middle Atlantic ridge, the border between two of the largest tectonic plates on the planet.