Further to my blog post in January, our Travel Experts in Ecuador have let me know that the Tungurahua Volcano in central Ecuador, substantially increased its eruptive activity yesterday.This has prompted the authorities to declare a Red Alert in the neighboring areas and the immediate evacuation of hundreds of families. With an altitude of 5 029 above sea level and 135 kilometers south of Quito, the volcano expelled pyroclastic magmatic material and rocks of up to 3 centimeters in diameter on the western flank. Pyroclastic flows have descended along the gorges located in the nor-western and western flanks of the volcano. Due to cloudy weather, direct observation of the volcano has not been possible so the magnitude of the pyroclastic flows cannot be determined at this time, but the flows have reached the Chambo River. The Geophysics Institute continues to monitor the eruption and will inform about the evolution of the behaviour of the volcano to the authorities so the proper actions can be taken. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice reads:Since December 2007 there has been increased volcanic activity in Tungurahua, near the resort of Baños. There is a high risk of a volcanic eruption and the Ecuadorian authorities have forbidden all access to the volcano. You should exercise extreme caution if you intend to travel within 10-15 miles of the volcano and, if possible, you should avoid an overnight stay in Baños. You should monitor local media for updates, the National Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute (in Spanish) and see the Natural Disasters (Tungurahua) section of this advice for more details.In the past, the ash has caused problems with air traffic; but apart of this, it should not affect travellers' overall trips to other parts of Ecuador or the Galapagos.More information can be found on the Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute website. You may also wish to read the previous blog on Volcanic activity in Ecuador.
