Volcanic Eruption Near El Salvador Prompts Evacuation of 1000 People

The Chaparrastique volcano, otherwise known as the San Miguel volcano, in El Salvador experienced an eruption on Monday and released reddish ash, prompting the city of San Miguel to evacuate over 1,000 people living near the volcano.

The Civil Protection Department declared an alert for the city, which is located 30 miles from the volcano. Pulsating gas emissions reaching anywhere between 50 meters and 400 meters in height have been seen recently, indicating that a possible new eruption could occur in the near future.

The 7,000 foot high volcano hasn't experienced a major eruption since 1976, but warning signs of a potential eruption began in February, when it was reported that small ash explosions were seen at the site. During that time, seismic activity had been increasing over the course of a few weeks and it was believed that magma movements and/or pressure had been rising in intensity.

Of the 23 volcanoes in El Salvador, the Cahparrastique volcano is considered the most active, with 26 eruptions in the past 500 years. Volcanologist Francisco Barahona of the University of El Salvador told BBC News that, "a further increase in the emission of sulfur dioxide could be a sign that another eruption was approaching."

The environment ministry believes that another eruption is likely to emit lava flow, which is why Civil Protection Director Jorge Melendez ordered the evacuation on Monday. Additionally, depending on wind patterns, the spewing of ashes can also pose a threat to those living nearby. The volcano's flanks are covered with coffee plantations and they've been hit with heavy ash and now must be checked for damage and contamination.

Over the past few weeks, small clusters of earthquakes have been taking place at a depth of 1 kilometer beneath the northern flank of Chaparrastique, further indicating an eruption. Emergency shelters have been established nearby for those in the San Miguel region to seek refuge for the time being.