Volcano has erupted in Iceland near Reykjavik - Icelandic Meteorological Office says

COPENHAGEN: A volcano in southwestern Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula erupted on Friday, following thousands of smaller earthquakes in the area in recent weeks, the country's meteorological office said.

The peninsula, located southwest of the capital Reykjavik, is a seismic hotspot, with at least 40,000 earthquakes in recent weeks.

"Volcanic eruption has begun in Fagradalsfjall," the Icelandic Meteorological Office said in a tweet, referring to a mountain located about 30 kilometers southwest of the capital.

Pictures on local media websites showed a night sky glowing bright red.

Volcanic eruption has begun in Fagradalsfjall. Flight color code is red but very little turbulence is seen on seismometers.
— Icelandic Meteorological Office - IMO (@Vedurstofan) March 19, 2021

All inbound and outgoing air traffic from Keflavik International Airport has been halted, the office told Reuters.

A helicopter with scientific personnel had been scrambled to assess the extent of the eruption, the office said.