Icelandic volcano erupts, missing local town for now

A volcano spews Lava and smoke as it erupts, north of Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, obtained by Reuters on December 19, 2023. Icelandic Coast Guard/Handout via REUTERS

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Lava from a large volcanic eruption in Iceland appeared to flow away from the only town in the area, offering hope that homes and lives would be spared even though the seismic activity could last months, officials said on Tuesday.

The government said flights were unlikely to be affected, quashing international travel concerns lingering after the chaos that resulted from the ash cloud caused by an eruption on the north Atlantic island in 2010.