The San Cristobal volcano in Nicaragua has calmed a day after three loud explosions were accompanied by a huge eruption of ash and gas, the Associated Press reports.

About 3,000 people from nine nearby communities were evacuated, and the area remains under alert, AP says.

Nicaragua's geological institute says sporadic explosions were heard Sunday and occasional ash columns billowed up to 3 miles into the sky. On Saturday, the volcano spewed out clouds of ash that traveled more than 30 miles. All of which should not be too surprising -- San Cristobal has been active since 1520.

Nicaragua has been on alert since a strong earthquake shook neighboring Costa Rica on Wednesday and then a swarm of 17 minor tremors were recorded in the area around Lake Managua next to the capital the following day.

Earth Changes Media


Mitch Battros | 



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