The Chaparrastique volcano in eastern El Salvador belched a column of hot ash high into the air on Sunday, frightening nearby residents and prompting authorities to order evacuations in the area.
There were no immediate reports of injuries in the San Miguel region, where the volcano is located and that is known for its coffee plantations.
Civil protection authorities said they would evacuate people from within 1.9 miles of the volcano and set up emergency shelters.
The Chaparrastique volcano, also known as the San Miguel volcano, is an active volcano located in the eastern part of El Salvador in Central America. It is about 15 miles away from the city of San Miguel.
The Chaparrastique volcano last erupted on December 29, 2013. This was a significant eruption that caused ash to spew up to 5,000 meters into the air.
Chaparrastique is a stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano. This type of volcano is characterized by its steep slopes and explosive eruptions due to the high viscosity of its magma.
Chaparrastique has a history of frequent eruptions, with the last major eruption occurring in 1976. However, the volcano has also had smaller eruptions and periods of increased activity in recent years.
The most significant hazards associated with Chaparrastique volcano are ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lahars (mudflows). These can cause damage to nearby communities and disrupt air travel. The volcano is also monitored closely for potential lahars and landslides that could affect nearby towns and villages.