A volcano erupted in the south of Iceland overnight, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate the area and diverting flights after authorities declared a state of emergency, officials said on Sunday.

Shortly before midnight, the Eyjafjallajokull glacier, the island’s fifth largest, started to spew smoke and lava from several craters along a rift which is popular with hikers.

Police sent rescue teams to evacuate about 500 people living in the rural area near the site. No injuries or damage to property were reported. Three Red Cross care centres were opened in nearby villages to assist the evacuated population.