Lava spills from volcano into Iceland town, razes homes

Multiple houses in Grindavik, a small fishing town in Iceland, were set alight after molten lava from an erupted volcano spilled into the area.

Hours before the eruption, Iceland’s meteorological office had reported an earthquake.

Two fissures which opened hours apart formed near the town on Sunday after authorities reported an increase in seismic activity.

Footage from local media showed a swathe of bright orange lava flowing into the town, covering the side of one house as it went up in flames.

Huge plumes of smoke coloured the sky as residents scampered for safety.

The eruption was the second the area had seen in weeks, officials said.

Iceland is known for its intense volcanic activity due to its geological position between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, causing it to suffer regular seismic events — ranging from minor tremors to significant earthquakes.

Grindavik has been evacuated and all roads leading to the town are currently closed, as is the nearby Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions famed for its steaming geothermal water.

Iceland’s President Gudni Johannesson urged Icelanders to “stand together and have compassion for those who cannot be in their homes”.

Johannesson expressed optimism that the situation would abate but warned that “anything can happen”.