Geologists to investigate volcano reports in Pakistan quake zone _ but some are skeptical.

(From AP Worldstream)

Byline: MUNIR AHMAD

Pakistan's army was flying geologists to an isolated northwestern valley Tuesday to investigate reports of possible volcanic activity after the massive Oct. 8 earthquake, an official said, adding that aftershocks and landslides could be confusing terrified villagers.

The Pakistani geologists will survey the Alai Valley, and if they find evidence of a volcanic eruption the 150,000 people who live there will be evacuated, said army spokesman Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan.

Army helicopters flew over the rugged region of North West Frontier Province on Monday and found no signs of an eruption, Sultan said.

An estimated 3.3 million people have been left homeless by the quake, which killed about 80,000 people and has been followed by hundreds of aftershocks that have frightened survivors and triggered landslides.

A huge international relief effort has been mounted, but fears remain for vulnerable communities in distant mountains with the harsh Himalayan winter closing in.