Hundreds evacuated from Nicaraguan volcano area

May 20, 2011 – MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) — Nicaraguan authorities have evacuated hundreds of people from the foothills of a volcano because of heightened seismic activity. The Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies says 600 workers have been moved from a factory near the Telica volcano in western Nicaragua. Women and children who live nearby have also been evacuated. Institute official Angelica Munoz said Thursday that tremors of up to 3.3-magnitude have shaken the 3,480-foot (1,061- meter) volcano. It has been spewing gas, ash, vapor and water since April. –AFP