The San Cristobal volcano near here has entered an eruption phase with cinder and gases spewing from its crater amid increased seismic activity, according to the Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies (Ineter) Monday.
The volcano, 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Managua, has had “moderate explosions in its crater that have released gases and volcanic cinder” carried by winds toward towns 25 kilometers (16 miles) away, the institute said.
The 1,745-meter (5,745-feet) San Cristobal volcano has been active for several years, but seismic activity, small eruptions and gas releases in the crater, have increased since Friday.
“In every period there is a phase of strong activity with high tremors” during which explosions can occur inside the crater, Ineter said.
Between 30,000 and 50,000 people live around the volcano. The last time a significant eruption phase occurred was November 1999, with moderate explosions coming from the crater.
Source: Agence France-Presse
