A “red alert” was issued for Galeras volcano by the Colombian Institute of Geology and Mines due to a large amount of ash from the mountain falling on the nearby regional capital of Pasto.

The Red Cross and civil defense agencies quickly began to deal with the evacuations shortly after the volcano launched a forceful eruption at 7:10 p.m. local time.

There have so far been no reports of any injuries or significant damage due to the volcano's rumblings and ash plumes.

Galeras has erupted frequently since Spanish colonization of the Americans reached the region, with its first historical eruption being recorded on December 7, 1580.

A modern eruption in 1993 killed nine people, including six scientists who had descended into the volcano’s crater to collect gas samples.

Photo: Colombian Institute of Geology and Mines