#Iceland volcano activity causes cracks in roads

The fissure continues into the sea so the eruption could take place on the ocean floor, an event which would send up a giant ash cloud as super-heated rock comes into contact with cold water.

It is close to the Svartsengi geothermal plant, the main supplier of electricity and water to 30,000 residents as well as a freshwater reservoir.

Roads closed

Grindavik, which has a population of 4,000, is also near the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa resort, one of Iceland’s main tourist attractions, which has been closed due to the uptick in seismic activity.

Roads into the town have been blocked other than for emergency vehicles.

“We are really concerned about all the houses and the infrastructure in the area,” Vidir Reynisson, the head of Iceland’s civil protection agency said.

A tunnel of magma was at a depth of 5,000ft early on Saturday but is now rising towards the surface.

“The magma is now at a very shallow depth, so we’re expecting an eruption within a couple of hours at the shortest, but at least within a couple of days,” Mr Reynisson said.