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San Cristobal volcano eruption in Nicaragua forces evacuation
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/09/san-cristobal-volcano-eruption-nicaragua<snip>
Nicaraguan authorities have evacuated about 3,000 people from around the San Cristobal volcano after it spewed out a column of ash and gas two miles high.
Residents reported hearing three powerful explosions in the volcano on Saturday. Civil defence personnel said 300 soldiers were sent to help with the evacuation.
Javier Mejia, director of Nicaragua's geological institute, said monitoring instruments showed strong activity in the volcano. "We do not rule out anything, but call for calm," he said.
The 1,740-metre volcano has been active since 1520, Mejia said. Nicaragua has been on alert since a strong earthquake shook neighbouring Costa Rica on Wednesday and 17 minor tremors were recorded in the area around Lake Managua, near the Nicaraguan capital, the following day.