In a startling turn of events, a volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland has caused lava to flow into the nearby town of Grindavík, engulfing homes and triggering the evacuation of local residents. The eruption, which started on Sunday morning just before 8:00 a.m. local time, occurred approximately half a mile from the town, following a series of intense earthquakes, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

Adding to the chaos, a second fissure opened later in the day, unleashing more lava flows into Grindavík. Iceland's President, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, addressed the nation, acknowledging the "daunting period of upheaval" that now surrounds the Reykjanes peninsula, where Grindavík is located.

This is the second volcanic eruption in a span of just one month in the vicinity of Grindavík. On December 18, a previous eruption resulted in lava being ejected into the air. However, due to heightened seismic activity, residents had already been instructed to evacuate the area.

Foreseeing potential dangers, the Icelandic government had initiated the evacuation of Grindavík early on Sunday morning. Officials have reassured the public that the eruption is not expected to reach other heavily populated areas of the country. While monitoring threats to infrastructure, it has been reported that at least three homes have been either consumed by lava or burned down.

Thankfully, flights have not been disrupted thus far, and the government has stated that the eruption does not pose a threat to human life. However, President Jóhannesson expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Lúðvík Pétursson, who went missing in a work-related accident in Grindavík last week. The 50-year-old Pétursson had fallen into a crack formed by volcanic activity and earthquakes while filling crevasses after the previous eruption.

Iceland, known for its seismic activity, boasts 32 active volcanoes and experiences volcanic eruptions roughly every five years. However, eruptions have occurred more frequently in recent times. The ongoing crisis in Grindavík serves as a sobering reminder of the country's volatile geological landscape and the challenges it poses to its inhabitants.