Volcano erupts in southwest Iceland after weeks of earthquakes

A volcano in Iceland was still erupting on Tuesday hours after geysers of molten lava shot into the night sky after weeks of intense seismic activity southwest of Reykjavik. 

The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula began on Monday.  For weeks, the Nordic country had been anticipating an eruption on the peninsula southwest of the capital after intense earthquake activity, which prompted authorities to evacuate thousands of people and close the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa famed for its turquoise waters.

The meteorological office estimated that the volcano had opened a fissure about four kilometers long, with the southern end just three kilometers away from the fishing town of Grindavik. Head of the Department of Civil Protection, urged people to stay away from the area.  Reykjavik's international airport remained open, Airport Operator Isavia said.