Nicaraguans flee erupting volcano http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19533933
Nicaraguans flee erupting volcano September 9, 2012 05:50 The Nicaraguan government says about 3,000 people are being evacuated from areas near the San Cristobal volcano, which is spewing ash and gas. Soldiers have been sent to the region, northwest of the capital Managua, after the government ordered local communities to leave. The volcano began erupting on Saturday morning, shortly after powerful explosions were heard. The authorities say they expect more gas emissions and sporadic explosions. Some 20,000 people could eventually be affected, said government spokeswoman Rosario Murillo. 'Strong activity' The 1,745-meter volcano (5,700-foot) is the highest mountain in Nicaragua and one of the most active along the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. It has launched a 4km-high (2.5-mile) column of ash and smoke into the atmosphere. Jaime Mejia, from Nicaragua's Institute of Territorial Studies, said there was "strong activity" in the volcano, which had a series of small eruptions in 2008. "We do not rule out anything, but call for calm," he told the AP news agency. Civil defence officers have been sent to the Chinandenga and Leon provinces to help the evacuation. But hundreds of residents left the area even before their arrival. Nicaragua has been on alert since an earthquake hit neighbouring Costa Rica last week. Aftershocks were felt across the two Central American countries. BBC © 2012 The plume of ash and smoke stretches miles into the atmosphere -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "geoengineering" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/geoengineering?hl=en.
