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Thousands flee Colombian volcano Colombia downgrades volcano alert
(about 17 hours later)
The Colombian authorities have declared a state of red alert after a volcano erupted 240 km (149 miles) southwest of the capital, Bogota. Colombia has downgraded a state of alert following the reduction in activity of a volcano south-west of the capital, Bogota.
The Nevado de Huila, the country's third highest peak, began to belch smoke and ash late on Monday night. The Nevado del Huila, the country's third highest peak, belched smoke and ash late on Monday night.
Thousands of people living in the shadow of the volcano are being evacuated, as emergency services seek halls and schools to use as shelters. However, officials say there is no imminent risk of a major eruption.
The volcano became active again in after lying dormant for centuries. Thousands of people who fled their homes on Monday night after the state of emergency was declared have begun returning to their homes.
Experts are trying to assess whether the eruption is likely to get worse or stabilise. The volcano, 240 km (149 miles) south-west of Bogota, became active again last year after being dormant for centuries.
Since 1985, Colombia has treated the rumblings of volcanoes with dread and respect, says the BBC's Jeremy McDermott in Colombia.Since 1985, Colombia has treated the rumblings of volcanoes with dread and respect, says the BBC's Jeremy McDermott in Colombia.
In that year the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted in the western province of Caldas, with lava swallowing up the town of Armero and its 25,000 inhabitants.In that year the Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted in the western province of Caldas, with lava swallowing up the town of Armero and its 25,000 inhabitants.