A river of lava appears to meander on the slopes of Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano, which erupted Monday after a period of widespread seismic activity. Although the danger from the lava is under control, authorities have warned that the eruption releases “deadly poisonous gases”.

“Police, on the advice of the scientists, have decided to restrict access to the eruption site due to the massive, life-threatening contamination of toxic gases,” said Iceland’s Ministry of Civil Protection and Emergency Management.

The volcano, which is 32 kilometers away from the country’s main airport, is frequented by tourists and hikers. In addition, it is close to the inhabited Reykjanes Peninsula. All walkers have been recalled, while residents of the neighboring town have been told to keep their windows closed and turn off ventilation due to the risk of toxic gases.

“In the coming hours, it is very likely that gas will build up around the eruption site due to the lack of wind. Those who have already made the journey to the site of the eruption, or are already there, are strongly advised to leave the area,” civil protection authorities said.

Despite the fact that some domestic flights were delayed yesterday due to the smoke coming from the volcano, the airport will continue as usual on Tuesday.

“The eruption is small and there are currently no ash emissions into the atmosphere,” Iceland’s Met Office said last night. Lava emerges as “a series of fountains” from a 200-meter-long fissure in the mountain’s slopes, the statement said.