Iceland is witnessing spectacular scenes of orange and gold as a volcano erupts in the southwest of the country.

Semi-molten rock has been spewing into air from a crack around 2.5 miles long near the fishing town of Grindavik.

Locals were evacuated in November after thousands of small earthquakes were recorded, raising the likelihood of an eruption.

It finally burst into life on Monday night.

Here are some of the most striking images and video so far.

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Despite the fiery images, experts say the volcanic activity is becoming less intense compared with the initial eruption on Monday.

Forecasters have warned gas pollution could hit the Icelandic capital – but so far there’s no disruption to air travel.

A 2010 eruption at another Icelandic volcano caused thousands of flights to be cancelled or delayed.

Iceland‘s government has insisted “the eruption does not present a threat to life”.

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Grindavik residents have been out of their homes for a month and now definitely won’t be allowed back for Christmas, its mayor has confirmed.

One resident, Hans Vera, described his home near the sea as idyllic but said he and others now faced a “waiting game”.

“We are not going to paradise this time around,” he said.

It’s unclear how long the volcanic activity in Iceland – known as the ‘land of fire and ice’ – will last for. It could simmer down in days, but may rumble on for months.

Read more:
Is it still safe to go to Iceland?
What’s happening under the surface?

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Passengers on a plane from Manchester early on Tuesday morning got a stunning view of the eruption – and many swapped seats to allow others a look.

Traveller Sophie Molloy said some passengers were anxious when they landed and asked to be allowed off quickly.

She said there was a distinctive smell of sulphur in the air when the doors opened.

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