Colombians evacuated after small volcanic eruption
Residents in low lying rural areas in central and southwestern Colombia have been evacuated to higher lands after the country's tallest volcano, the Nevado in the Huila province, erupted, local press said on Monday.

The Colombian Geology Institute has warned authorities of the central provinces of Tolima and Huila, and the southwestern provinces of Cauca and Valle de Cauca, that the volcanic activities could trigger large eruptions, which may cause rivers to burst their banks.

The institute urged emergency and rescue services to go to rural areas and take preventative measures.

The mountain has experienced 105 small quakes since 10:00 a.m. on Sunday and at 9:00 a.m. there was a major shock about 56 km deep, which triggered a volcanic explosion, a spokesman for the institute said.

Deputy director of the institute Amanda Pulido told media that residents near rivers in Huila and three other provinces who are most vulnerable to volcanic eruptions had been evacuated to higher grounds.

The Nevado volcano has emitted ash some 2,000 feet high, causing mud-slides. But no casualties have been reported. Geological authorities fear more eruptions to follow.

The volcano was entering a period of heightened activities, and the small earthquakes are the first step in the process, said Pulido.