Thursday, April 28, 2011

Orange alert issued in Ecuador as Tungurahua volcano erupts

The National Secretary of Risk management in Ecuador, María del Pilar Cornejo declared an orange alert today following the awakening of the Tungurahua volcano last night. Due to the explosions, three local towns have been evacuated.

She mentioned that “security precautions must be taken, following the volcano’s increased activity.”

According to the ministry, on Monday the “increased activity provoked a giant ash cloud reaching 8 kilometres in height,” Ansa agency reported.

The recent eruptions have provoked a declared state of emergency in Ecuador where officials reported they “want to provide help to those living in the volcano-affected area, and particularly help evacuate those in danger zones.”

Cornejo said that the evacuation process of various close by towns and villages has begun, with Cusúa (80 families), Bilbao (30 families and 100 non-permanent residents) and in Chacabuco (30 families), also confirming the closure of local schools.

The Institute of Geophysics at Ecuador’s Polytechnic School, which controls the volcano’s activity, recorded increased activity from April 20, with ash and pyroclastic material blasting from the cone.

According to their most recent report, six moderate to great explosions were recorded, creating the ejection of ash, provoking the giant cloud which reached “up to eight kilometres in height above the crater.”

The Tungurahua, also known as the “Throat of fire” is 5,020 metres above sea level, and is located 130 kilometres southeast of Quito. It has been active since 1999 when volcanic activity restarted, and in 2006 an eruption caused the death of six people.