Nicaragua issues preventive alert for volcano activity

MANAGUA – Nicaragua’s government officials on Wednesday issued a yellow (preventive) alert and began the precautionary evacuation of some 300 families in the province of Chinandega (northwest) after new ash emissions started at San Cristóbal volcano, following an impressive increase in seismic activity.

“San Cristóbal volcano, located 135 km northwest of Managua, resumed activity with small fumes gases and ash” said Guillermo González, director of the Prevention, Mitigation and Attention to Disasters Network (SINAPRED).

González said ash columns reach up to 500 meters high, slightly affecting volcano surrounding towns of Tonala, Morazán, Puerto Corinto and Chichigalpa, but without causing any damage.

First lady and government spokesperson Rosario Murillo, confirmed they have ordered the  evacuation of 300 families living in the area.

San Cristóbal is the tallest of Nicaragua’s seven active volcanoes. On September 8, it began active with gas and ash explosions that reached five miles high.