The Telica volcano in Nicaragua erupted unexpectedly while tourists were standing next to the volcano's crater.
The Telica volcano is a stratovolcano that is located in the Telica municipality of Nicaragua. The Telica volcano is one of the most active volcanoes of Nicaragua, and it has erupted several times in the last few decades.
On Thursday, May 7, the volcanic activity increased at the Telica volcano resulting in several eruptions and low-intensity earthquakes in the region. Since that date, the Telica volcano has registered more than 60 small eruptions. However, no damage or injuries to humans have yet been reported.
The volcano stands 1,061 meters, or 3,465 feet, high and is just 110 kilometers — 68 miles — north-west of Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. The Telica volcano is a popular tourist destination, and many people make hiking trips to the top of the volcano.
A group of tourists recently had a hair-raising close encounter as the volcano erupted while they were filming the scenic view from the top of the volcano.
The Telica volcano spew hot ash, gas and rocks while tourists were standing quite close to the crater. While many people would have rushed to a safety spot, the tourists continued filming the volcano erupting.
"It spat hot rocks, gas and ash, reaching a height of 400 metres (1,312 feet)," said the Nicaraguan Geological Institute (NGI) in a statement.
The nearby towns of Guanacastal and Posoltega were covered with ash. Some locals fear that volcanic activity is building up at the Telica volcano and that it may result in a massive eruption soon.
Authorities suggest that, currently, the volcano eruption does not pose any danger and there are no plans of evacuating nearby areas.
However, three evacuation centers have been set up in nearby areas in case the volcano erupts again and evacuation is necessary.
Check out the video of the tourists filming the volcano eruption from close proximity.
