Guests at the nearby luxury Blue Lagoon geothermal spa resort were evacuated as a precaution. View on euronews

A volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland has prompted evacuations, including at nearby tourist sites like the Blue Lagoon.

Some people have reported seeing so-called “ witch’s hair ” drifting in the air. These are fine, sharp, glassy needles that are formed in volcanic eruptions when lava droplets rapidly cool and stretch. Because they are light, these glassy fibers can travel long distances and can cause skin and eye irritations.