Galeras Volcano Eruption In Colombia Prompts Evacuations

by Yuliya Talmazan | June 8, 2009 at 12:05 pm

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The eruption of the Galeras Volcano in the Narino Province of Colombia is prompting evacuations of the estimated 8,000 people. The Galeras Volcano is considered to be the most active volcano in Colombia. No damages or loss of life have been reported yet.

The 4,276-meter-high volcano, located near the southern Colombian city of Pasto, had a mild eruption at about 7:20 a.m. local time (1220 GMT) Sunday morning, said Martha Calvache, director of the national Geology and Mining Institute.

There have been no reports of casualties or material damage.

The institute declared a red alert which means an eruption is under way. The regional government ordered an evacuation of the area around Galeras, which is home to around 8,000 people and is some 700 km away from the capital of Bogota.