NBC NEWS - A volcano in southwest Iceland that has long been dormant began erupting Friday night, spilling lava down two sides but officials said it appears small and was not considered a threat to any towns.
The eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula, which began around 8:45 p.m. local time (4:45 p.m. ET) was seen on a web camera and later confirmed, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said in a statement.
"The eruption is considered small at this stage," it said on Twitter, estimating that the fissure was around 500 meters, or 1,640 feet, long. While a distinct orange glow could be seen in the low cloud on the peninsula.
Early Saturday, the Meteorological Office said the "volcanic activity has somewhat decreased," and the "lava fountains are small."
The Department of Emergency Management was not anticipating evacuations because the volcano is in a remote valley, The Associated Press reported......READ MORE
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