Peru orders 4,000 evacuated as Ubinas volcano spews ash clouds up 2 miles high
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Peruvian authorities have ordered the preventative evacuation of 4,000 people living near the Ubinas volcano, which has been spouting ash clouds up to 2 miles (nearly 4 kilometers) high.
The Andina state news agency quotes Agriculture Minister Juan Benites as saying it will take three days beginning Thursday to move the residents of two southern districts and their 30,000 sheep, cows, horses, burros and other animals.
Peru's health ministry says about 40 people have complained of eye inflammation and stomach problems from ash that has been falling from Ubinas since March 29.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 18,609-foot (5,672-meter) volcano is Peru's most active. It most recent strong eruption period occurred from 2006-2009.