An overnight volcanic eruption in Iceland triggered a state of emergency as lava streams advanced perilously close to the town of Grindavik, home to approximately 3,800 residents.

This eruption, the fourth in three months on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland’s southwest, unfolded with dramatic force, as a nearly 2-mile fissure tore open the Earth’s surface, unleashing torrents of molten lava.

Grindavik had previously faced evacuation during the initial eruption in December, which marked the region’s first volcanic activity in 800 years.

Despite some residents returning after the initial eruption, they were once again forced to evacuate on Saturday, The Hill reported.

Authorities in Iceland reported that defensive barriers, constructed as a precautionary measure against future eruptions, successfully redirected the lava flows away from the town.

While the first two eruptions in December and January endured for several days, the eruption last month lasted only a few hours, resulting in damage to some structures in Grindavik.

Geophysicist Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson informed Icelandic media outlet RUV that Sunday’s eruption is believed to be the most substantial of the four.

Although there have been no confirmed fatalities resulting from the eruptions, one worker has been reported missing after reportedly falling into a volcanic fissure.

Written by B.C. Begley