Nicaragua Volcano Blows, 1.5K Evacuated

At least 1,500 Nicaraguans have been evacuated after a volcano suddenly erupted Saturday in the western part of the country, shooting gas and ash more than two miles into the air. "I have seen it bring ashes, but not like now," says a nearby resident. "It surprised us because it is a powerful volcano, and to see it like this would make anyone panic." As many as 20,000 people may ultimately be affected if the San Cristobal Volcano, located in the department of Chinandega, continues to rumble, reports CNN. Authorities are concerned about the health danger from ash and released gases. (More volcano stories.)