An El Salvador volcano erupted on Sunday, forcing evacuations around the area. The Chaparrastique volcano peak shot a cloud of ash and gas about 3 miles into the air.
According to Civil Defense Director Jorge Melendez, a yellow alert was issued and investigators were sent to the volcano area to search for signs of lava. Investigators were not able to detect any lava as of yet, the Associated Press reports.
"We have implemented emergency measures to evacuate villages located within 3 kilometers of the volcano," Melendez said. The evacuees were sent to shelters but Melendez said some were reluctant to leave their homes."One has to leave for one's own safety," he said according to the Associated Press.
According to civil protection official Armando Vividor, there are about 5,000 people that live in the area about 1.9 miles surrounding the volcano. Evacuations began right after the volcano stared to erupt.
According to Assistant Health Minister Eduardo Espinoza, two people were sent to the hospital and treated for respiratory problems that may have been linked to the eruption. However he added that there are no serious health problems reported.
"We are providing assistance to people evacuating, and we are asking them to protect themselves against the gases, which can affect the respiratory tract," Espinoza said. He urged residents located near the volcano to no drink from local water sources. Local coffee bean plantations will be checked for damage.
The volcano spewed ash over a wide area and filled the air with the smell of sulfur. Residents are advised to breathe through moist handkerchiefs.
The Chaparrastique volcano is 7,025-feet tall and is located about 90 miles east of the El Salvador capital of San Salvador. It hasn't had a significant eruption since 1976.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
