Drone footage captured a spectacular volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Aerial video shows the stunning fiery blast of the Sundhnukur volcano in the southwest of the country on July 16.

A line of fire, with a river-like flow of lava, can be seen illuminating the surrounding area.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported that the eruption, which began just before 4 am, opened a massive fissure measuring between 700 and 1,000 metres.

Officials said: 'Lava is mostly flowing to the southeast and is not approaching any infrastructure. Based on GPS measurements and deformation signals, it is likely that this was a relatively small eruption.'

Authorities confirmed that residents in the nearby fishing town of Grindavik, as well as guests at a nearby luxury geothermal spa, have been evacuated.

Often dubbed the 'land of ice and fire', Iceland has now experienced around a dozen volcanic eruptions since volcanic activity resumed on the Reykjanes Peninsula four years ago.