Peruvian villages evacuated in volcano scare

Increased activity by the Ubinas volcano in southern Peru prompted the evacuation of 408 villagers, officials said Saturday.

Seismic activity has been mounting since February at the volcano, about 760km southeast of the Peruvian capital of Lima. Ubinas erupted April 14, sending a column of ash some 800 metres.

Tents, blankets and food were distributed to the 144 families who evacuated to a camp 10 km from their village, said Jose Acosta of Peru’s Civil Defence Institute official, via telephone.

Another 150 families will be evacuated by Sunday, said Acosta, adding that the villagers will be allowed to return to their homes if the threat decreases.

Winds have carried smoke and volcanic ash into the neighbouring highland region of Puno, where residents have complained of headaches and stomach-aches, according to the Peruvian newspaper El Comercio.