MANAGUA, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Volcanic tremors and small-scale eruptions Friday put the Nicaraguan Army on alert in case an early warning is required, said the head of the army's Civil Defense in the western Chinandega department Maj. Carlos Caceres.
According to his division, the San Cristobal Volcano, located 132 kilometers southwest of the capital Managua, registered some 14 mini-eruptions Friday, accompanied by a cloud of gas and ash over the crater.
The Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies (Ineter) said a team of its experts have been stationed for several days some 650 meters from the crater, to better assess the situation.
Until now, the experts believe that all volcanic activity has been concentrated inside the crater, and therefore has not posed a danger to the 20 communities situated within a five-kilometer radius of San Cristobal.
The Civil Defense's Lt. Col. Gustavo Ramos, who is part of Ineter's team in the area, told the local daily El Nuevo Diario that they were taking samples of the gas emanating from the crater.
According to the army division, at least six properties near the crater, including the one hosting Ineter's experts, could be affected if volcanic activity increases.
San Cristobal is one of Nicaragua's highest and most active volcanoes, measuring 1,745 meters in height.
Since last week, the National Disaster Prevention System has begun round-the-clock monitoring of the volcano, after it resumed rumbling.
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