Iceland has seen its largest volcanic eruption in half a century

A kilometer-long black layer of solidified lava extends into Grindavik. Sunday's eruption has been called the most dangerous Iceland has ever seen in more than 50 years, and authorities warn the danger is not over yet.

"We are probably only seeing the beginning of an event that will continue to be difficult to manage," said Vidir Reynisson, head of Icelandic civil defense.

A number of experts warn that the situation is still uncertain. The protective dikes around Grindavik have been reinforced, access roads to the town will be closed for a long time.

The second eruption in just a month on the Reykjanes Peninsula began early Sunday morning, and photos taken Monday morning show an apparent stoppage of lava flows. Surface activity now appears to be less, while seismographs have recorded more than 700 low-intensity earthquakes.

The government has limited the effects of this eruption to the town of Grindavik, which was already evacuated in November due to the impending first fissure. Authorities explained that the current emergency situation does not pose a danger to the population and has not affected air transportation.

Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said protective structures will continue to be built and "everything possible" will be done to prevent the lava from burying parts of the town, which has a population of about 4,000. Jakobsdottir prioritized helping evacuees and advocated a reassessment of the damage to the area after the second eruption.