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Updated Mar 20, 2021 - World

In photos: Volcano dormant for 6,000 years erupts in Iceland

Jacob Knutson
The volcanic eruption in Fagradalsfjall near the capital Reykjavik on March 20.

The volcanic eruption in Fagradalsfjall near the capital Reykjavik on March 20. Photo: Vilhelm Gunnarsson/Getty Images

A volcano that had been inactive for roughly 6,000 years erupted on Friday night on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, according to AP.

Why it matters: The eruption — which is relatively small for now — is the area's first in 781 years, the glow from which could be seen up to 20 miles away in Reykjavík, the country's capital. Iceland's Department of Emergency Management does not expect to issue evacuations since the Fagradals Mountain volcano is located in a remote area.

In photos:
The glow of the eruption as seen near Reykjavik on March 19.
The glow of the eruption as seen near Reykjavik on March 19. Photo: Halldor Kolbeins/AFP via Getty Images
The lava flow from the eruption seen from a helicopter on March 20.
The lava flow from the eruption seen from a helicopter on March 20. Photo: Icelandic Coast Guard/AFP via Getty Images
A helicopter flying near the lava flow on March 20.
A helicopter flying near the lava flow on March 20. Photo: Vilhelm Gunnarsson/Getty Images
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