Uganda investigates possible volcanic activity in eastern region

KAMPALA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has dispatched a team of experts to the eastern district of Ngora to investigate possible volcanic activity.

Naome Karekaho, the spokesperson for NEMA, told Xinhua by telephone on Friday that they had sent the experts to Ngora Town Council to ascertain whether the Moru Otukei rock was experiencing volcanic activity.

"We cannot confirm that it is volcanic activity but the district environment office has reported some boiling sound, a crack on the rock, a smell and blue fumes or smoke coming from under the rock," Karekaho said.

Earlier, a letter from the district environment team indicated that they had carried out inspection of the rock and reported that "the community concern was true in that volcanic activity is taking place evidenced by the boiling sound associated with heat, which increases as you advance towards the rock."

Community members were advised not to go near the rock, "since the signs of heating and cracking could be dangerous".

Ngora district is located about 75 km from Mount Elgon, which is an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya.