Volcano activity increases

In late 2007 and early 2008 volcanic activity in Tungurahua, near the resort of Baños, increased significantly. On 6 February 2008 Tungurahua erupted, expelling burning rocks towards the north-west and west of the volcano. Ash fell heavily to the south-west and west of the volcano. The ash affected many areas in Tungurahua and Chimborazo provinces, and parts of the province of Cañar. Some rural families were evacuated. The intensity of activity has been variable in 2008, but increased again at the end of May and the beginning of July 2008. The Ecuadorian authorities have prohibited all access to the volcano itself. Landslides,known locally as 'lahars' - created by rain mixed with volcanic rocksand mud - regularly cut off road communication between Baños and Ambatoand/or Puyo, but access has generally been re-established fairlyquickly. It is advisable to avoid all but essential travelwithin six miles of the volcano in all directions, including Baños, dueto the current possibility of further eruptions. If you are travellingthrough Baños, it is advisable that you to do this as quickly as possible inorder to minimise the risk. If in Baños when an emergency occurs it isadvisable to try to reach the evacuation shelters on the east side oftown, around "Santa Ana" neighbourhood. This is on the main road outof Baños towards Puyo. Evacuation routes are marked with yellow arrowsthroughout the town. There is also a siren system to alert people toevacuate.