By Emily Ellis, VIVA Travel Guides Editorial Intern

[Colombia] Galeras, a volcano located in Southwestern Colombia near the Ecuadorian border, erupted early this morning. Even though the eruption was non-explosive, with only a small amount of smoke and ash seen spewing from the volcano, authorities have issued a red alert against it. Since Galeras erupted once before in January, killing nine scientists and tourists who were near the volcano at the time, the high-level alert is understandable. However, only about 205 people out of the 7,000 who live in the area chose to go to the nearby evacuation shelters as instructed by authorities. No injuries or property damages have been reported. [CNN]