ECUADOR: Ecuadorians living near Tungurahua volcano cast wary eye on rumbling mountain as eruptions continue

Record ID: 861345

  • Title: ECUADOR: Ecuadorians living near Tungurahua volcano cast wary eye on rumbling mountain as eruptions continue
  • Date: 16th December 2012
  • Summary: VOLCANO ERUPTING GENERAL VIEW OF VOLCANO
  • Embargoed: 31st December 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Ecuador
  • City:
  • Country: Ecuador
  • Topics: Disasters / Accidents / Natural catastrophes,Environment
  • Reuters ID: LVA6SM9VF34A9TNF41CNM5SSLY57
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  • Story Text: Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano spewed ash and pyroclastic material into the air on Sunday (December 16), prompting authorities to issue a warning to residents living nearby.
    According to reports, the volcano experienced a "moderate" eruption during the early morning hours followed by two larger eruptions which was felt 30 kilometers away.
    The latest eruptions sent material seven kilometers into the air.

    "I got out of bed and noticed that everything around the volcano was black, ash was everywhere. After awhile, there was another explosion and then there was a lot of ash," Cotalo resident Maria Lucinda Pepe said.
    Tungurahua is a towering 5,023 metros (16,480 feet) high and lies some 135 kilometers (some 80 miles) south of the capital city of Quito.
    Authorities continue to encourage residents living near the volcano to evacuate due to increased activity, according to local media.
    According to reports, the volcano has been spewing pyroclastic flows, burning rocks, gas and ash since Friday.
    Tungurahua, which means "Throat of Fire" in the local Quechua language, has been classified as active since 1999, and produced a strong eruption in 2008. It is one of Ecuador's eight active volcanoes.
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