Chaparrastique Volcano in El Salvador Erupts Sunday Dec 29,2013

Thousands of people in eastern El Salvador are leaving their homes after a volcano erupted on Dec 29,2013 Sunday morning. 

Residents in the coffee-producing region said they had heard a powerful explosion before the Chaparrastique volcano began spewing hot ash and smoke into the air.

No one has been hurt, say the authorities. Anyone living in a 3km (2 mile) radius will be evacuated.

Temporary shelters are being set up in the area.

Civil protection authorities say that some 5,000 people live in the area, in San Miguel province.

The eruption began at 10:30 local time (16:30 GMT).

Note
There are more than 20 volcanoes in El Salvador

At 2,129 metres (7,000 ft) above sea level, Chaparrastique is the third highest volcano in El Salvador