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SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) - Ash from El Salvador's Chaparrastique volcano has fallen on several parts of El Salvador, with some reaching the capital, San Salvador.
Observations by the U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration of the ash plume from the weekend eruption suggested the clouds of gritty dust will probably have dissipated by Monday.
Compared to the giant plume of ash and vapor that the peak spewed three miles (five kilometers) into the air on Sunday, the Environment Ministry said camera images Monday showed "moderate" emissions from the volcano. A fine dusting of ash accumulated on vehicles and windows in the capital Monday.
President Mauricio Funes said in a broadcast message Monday that the eruption "has not caused serious injuries or damages." Funes said it was unclear whether the activity would continue or increase.
The 7,025-foot (2,129-meter) volcano is located about 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of San Salvador. Its last significant eruption was in 1976.
About 2,214 people were evacuated from communities near the volcano and were taken to shelters.
The international airport at Comalapa, 21 miles (34 kilometers) south of the capital, resumed operations Monday after the Avianca-Taca company cancelled about 30 flights on Sunday after the eruption.
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