HELSINKI, May 29 (Xinhua) -- A volcanic eruption has occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, the Meteorological Office said on Wednesday.
The eruption occurred near Sundhnukur, north of Grindavik, it said, noting that the lava fountains reach 50 meters high, and the length of the fissure seems to be around 1 km and growing.
The lava flow was preceded by an earthquake, Icelandic radio RUV reported. The town of Grindavik, the tourist resort Blue Lagoon and a major power plant were evacuated within a few hours. Grindavik has experienced several evacuations over the winter.
The eruption is the sixth in the area since late last year. RUV reported that more magma had flowed into the area than in previous eruptions.
According to airport operator ISAVIA, the Keflavik airport is not expected to be affected. ■
