On Sunday, a state of emergency was declared for the seaside town of Grindavík, located in the Southwestern region of Iceland. The events began with a sequence of earthquakes which then led locals to fear an impending volcanic eruption.

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, a series of intense earthquakes began around 3 a.m. on Sunday, and by 6 a.m., there were over 200 reported earthquakes, with 3.5 as the highest recorded magnitude. The IMO then warned the state that an eruption was highly possible — in addition to the seismicity. 

Iceland is home to 33 active volcanoes, holding the most volcanic structures in Europe. This eruption is Iceland’s fifth in two years; the most recent, before this occurrence, was on Dec. 18, 2023, in the same southwest region. 

One citizen reported to the Icelandic Public Broadcaster, RUV, that she had not taken notice of any earthquakes until 1 a.m., but woke to the sound of sirens at 4 a.m. local time. Lava spilled toward homes, with video footage depicting a home catching fire on local news sources, as well as NBC News.