Iceland officials say an eruption has started north of Grindavík. This comes after a volcanic eruption was feared for weeks as tens of thousands of earthquakes rumbled throughout the region in late October and November.
The Icelandic Meteorologic Office (IMO) warned of the eruption late Monday evening following a swarm of earthquakes.
The eruption could be seen on webcams and located near Hagafell, but officials say they are working to confirm the exact location and size of the eruption by air.
The IMO has been warning of the possible eruption ever since a swarm of “intense” earthquakes was detected north of Grindavík at the end of October.
In the weeks that followed, tens of thousands of earthquakes rumbled throughout the region. That then led to the declaration of a state of emergency and the evacuation of Grindavík and its nearly 3,700 residents. The popular tourist destination Blue Lagoon also shut down amid fears that the volcano would erupt.
Grindavík was evacuated on Nov. 10, but a decision to let residents return to gather belongings left behind was made two days later. At that time, residents in an eastern district of Grindavík returned to gather what they could, including pets, and then retreat back to safety.
More residents in a different district were then allowed to return on the morning of November 13 before all residents were told they could go back later that day. Strict rules were in place, however.
