Peru volcano watchers on alert

PLEASE NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

A volcano in southern Peru spewed large gas clouds more than 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) into the atmosphere near the city of Arequipa for the second day on Friday (April 5).

Researchers at the Geological Mining and Metallurgical Institute, or Ingemmet, said that even though it was not uncommon for the volcano to release gas and vapour, the amount and intensity was unusual.

They said the intensified activity is was probably the result of a 4.2 magnitude earthquake that rattled the area 35 kilometres (20 miles) south of Arequipa on Tuesday (April 2).

The volcano researchers said the volcano would likely return to its normal state within a matter of days, but if it were to continue for a week it could be a sign for concern.

The Ingemmet scientists were closely monitoring the volcano once thought to be dormant and were conducting chemical studies of nearby water systems that could be affected by the activity.