A volcano has erupted near a glacier in southern Iceland, shooting ash and molten lava into the air. Hundreds of villagers nearby the volcano were forced to evacuate on Sunday.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the eruption. The most immediate threat was to livestock because of caustic gases. Iceland's government has declared a state of emergency. All domestic and some international flights have been cancelled until further notice.

Scientists feared the eruption could trigger a larger and potentially more dangerous eruption at another volcano in the country. Local authorities said they would continue to closely monitor the situation.