These terrifying photos show the impact that the Iceland volcano eruption has had on the local area.
Experts said they are in the "hands of nature" after lava began to bubble and pour from the volcano, which is located on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland.
The volcano finally erupted after weeks of activity and officials have warned that gas pollution could reach the capital Reykjavik in the coming hours.
Experts at the Icelandic Met Office believed the city is at risk of exposure on Wednesday.
They said: "According to the weather forecast, gas pollution could be noticed in the capital area late tonight [Tuesday] or in the morning. New work is being done on a hazard assessment card and it will be issued later."
The eruption late on Monday on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland spewed lava and smoke more than 100 metres (330 feet) into the air after weeks of intense seismic activity.
"The eruption does not present a threat to life," the Icelandic government said. "There are no disruptions to flights to and from Iceland and international flight corridors remain open."
The eruption began at around 10.17pm local time on Monday, after a "series of small earthquakes began" at 9pm.
Iceland's prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, said: "Now we see the earth opening up."
The president of Iceland, Gudni Th Johannesson, added: "We now wait to see what the forces of nature have in store."
