Icelandic authorities say volcanic eruption stabilizing

STOCKHOLM, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The Icelandic Civil Protection Authorities said Thursday evening that the force of the volcanic eruption under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in southern Iceland appeared to be steady, according to reports from Reykjavik.

Tourists gather to watch lava spurt out of the site of a volcanic eruption at the Fimmvorduhals volcano near the Eyjafjallajokull glacier, some 125 kms east of Reykjakic on March 27. (Xinhua/AFP, File Photo)

"Preliminary findings indicate that the area around the glacier and Myrdalsandur, to the east, have been affected. The volcanic ash has fallen to ground unevenly and sporadically reaching up to three mm thick," the Civil Protection Authorities said in a statement.

"Inhabitants of the area describe the ash as being black to grey in color and very fine, similar to flour or sugar grains. Volcanic ash fall has also seriously restricted ground visibility in some areas," the statement said.

Scientists do not rule out the risk of further volcanic activity and flooding. The flow of water into the glacial lagoon is being closely monitored.

"The glacier is still covered with clouds which makes observation from the ground difficult," the statement said.

International weather observatories in cooperation with the Icelandic Met Office are monitoring the weather conditions and the projected path of the volcanic ash cloud, which in the present conditions is being carried towards Europe and Scandinavia.

Air travel restrictions have been implemented in several European countries including Sweden, Germany and Britain.