Iceland declares state of emergency after volcanic eruption (VIDEO)

• Iceland declares a state of emergency.
• Lava threatens the area.
• Another eruption led to more evacuations.

An intense volcanic eruption unleashed an apocalyptic spectacle in Iceland, tearing the sky apart in a fiery glow.

A red hot river of fast-moving lava is advancing towards nearby towns, creating widespread concern.

This intense eruption, which has been anticipated for weeks, led to the closure of tourist sites and the declaration of a state of emergency.

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A fissure, stretching for 2½ miles, became the epicenter of this dramatic manifestation of nature’s power.

From there, lava flowed ominously toward the Reykjanes Peninsula, threatening nearby towns.

It also endangered the region that is home to Keflavik International Airport and the country’s iconic hot springs.

The official record of the eruption, registered at 10:17 pm by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, triggered a series of urgent evacuations.

Iceland volcano erupts

Despite the lava flow’s slow decline from its peak, the evacuated areas remain off-limits.

Authorities are on high alert, according to TMZ.

More than 3,400 residents of Grindavík, a picturesque fishing town, were evacuated in November after experiencing earthquakes and fissures exhaling plumes of steam.

The urgent need for accommodations is affecting more than 100 families, underlining the complexity of the situation according to, Mayor Fannar Jónasson.

Iceland state of emergency: U.S. Embassy issues a warning

Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir expressed gratitude for the evacuation still underway in Grindavík.

However, she noted that residents are eager to return to their homes.

The U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik issued a warning to U.S. citizens, urging them to avoid the eruption area.

In addition, Jakobsdóttir suggested American residents closely follow the updates provided by local media.

Impact of the volcanic eruption in Iceland

Shocking images captured by webcams showed pools of bubbling lava, a vision of power and destruction that surprised experts.

One of them was renowned geophysicist Freysteinn Sigmundsson, who highlighted the unusual speed and intensity of this eruption.

Although the direct threat to Grindavík and the Svartsengi power plant appeared to have subsided, the risk of damage to infrastructure from the lava flow remains.

The Meteorological Office reported a significant disturbance on the ground, projecting the eruption could last up to to 10 day.

What do authorities say?

NBC News noted that the intensity of the volcanic eruption was already showing signs of decreasing.

Civil defense authorities activated preventive protocols, raising the level of national preparation.

Despite the evacuation of some populated areas, concern about the diversion of lava towards power plants remains.

The lava flow, moving at a speed of 0.6 miles per hour, could change its course and head towards important communication routes and urban areas.

Monitoring the lava flow

Keflavik Airport remained operational, though multiple flight delays were recorded, reported NBCNews.

It’s reminiscent of the disruptive eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010 that paralyzed air traffic and created chaos.

Continuous surveillance by the Meteorological Office along with the call for a meeting of scientists to evaluate the developments, reflect the seriousness of this situation.

The Icelandic Cabinet also has an urgent meeting scheduled to address this evolving volcanic crisis, To see a video of the volcanic eruption click HERE.