Galeras volcano, Colombia: news & activity updates

Two moderate earthquakes occurred near Galeras, Colombia's most active volcano, at a depth of ca 30 km. According to the Colombian Geological Service, the first quake occurred at 4:35 a.m. local time (about 0935 GMT) and registered 4.5 on the Richter scale. A minute later, a second quake measuring magnitude-4.3 hit, several mild aftershocks have followed. Two people died when their house was crushed by falling rocks and officials suspended classes in local schools as a precaution. The earthquakes have placed local authorities in the nearby city of Pasto, capital of Narino Province, on high alert as they fear that the currently dormant volcano might enter a new eruptive phase.