EL SALVADOR –A volcanic eruption in El Salvador, has led to thousands of people living their homes.

The eruption which began at 10:30 local time (16:30 GMT), was said to have been producing powerful explosion before the Chaparrastique volcano eventually started spewing hot ash and smoke into the air.

As at press time, no one has been hurt, as government promised to evacuate anyone living in a 3km (2 mile) radius.

It also said the situation has been under watch since December 13, when increased activity inside the volcano was discovered.

There are more than 20 volcanoes in the small Central American nation.

At 2,129 metres (7,000 ft) above sea level, Chaparrastique is the third highest volcano in the country.

It spewed lava in 1976 and caused a strong tremor in the area in 2010.