Images show 100m-high waves of lava erupting from a ridge after a volcano erupted in Iceland.

Iceland Volcano

“The eruption started north of Grindavíkby Hagafell,” the country’s Icelandic Meteorological Office said.

Meanwhile, Iceland’s foreign minister said scientists had warned that the volcanic eruption in Iceland could continue for months.

Bjarni Benediktsson added that the explosion on Monday was “much bigger” than those seen in recent years, which he described as “nice tourist explosions”.

Hazard map updated – Reduced risk of new craters opening near Grindavik

Icelandic Met Office

The Icelandic Meteorological Office has updated the risk assessment map. The likelihood of new volcanic ‘craters’ opening near the evacuated town of Grindavik appears to have decreased.

The new risk map will be valid until December 28, unless there is a new update.

“The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) estimates that the probability of a new eruption forming without warning near Grindavik has decreased,” they said, noting that the eruption remained stable on Wednesday.

They added: “It should be noted that although the probability of a vent forming in area 4 has decreased, the level of risk in this area is nevertheless considered significant.

“Although the activity has decreased since the start of the eruption, the intensity of the eruption is still significant and comparable to the eruptions at Fagradalsfjall.”