Lava Gushes Out Of Mount Cameroon...05/31/00

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) _ Lava is gushing out of the Mount Cameroon volcano in this central African nation, state-run radio reported Wednesday.

The hot, molten stream had extended up to three miles, the radio said. The volcano, 195 miles southwest of the capital, Yaounde, began erupting on May 20.

Government officials, however, said there was no immediate cause for alarm.

"There is intense volcanic activity at the top of the mountain, which is essentially characterized by flames and a small flow of lava, which is still not very important," said Henri Hogbe Nlend, minister for scientific and technical research, who surveyed the volcano from a helicopter.

The flames and lava flow are also primarily on the less populated side of the slope, he added.

It is the second time in just over a year that the volcano has erupted. In March and April 1999, flowing lava displaced thousands of people and destroyed farmland.