Volcano Update

Yesterday, I posted photos and information about the Tungurahua volcano here in Ecuador that has been spewing lava and ash this week. Here is another photo that I pulled off the internet.

Also below is an update that was sent out by the US Embassy here in Quito:

The volcano is located approximately 140 kilometers south of Quito, near Baños. Pyroclastic flows occurred on the northeast flank of the volcano. The extent is not yet known. Two main pulses occurred and scientists predict ash activity will continue and is likely to increase.

The government has declared a Code Red (highest level) alert for the surrounding area and closed schools in the immediate vicinity and in Baños. The road from Pelileo to Baños is officially closed. Residents of the highest-risk areas have already been evacuated, and more people were evacuated late in the evening on February 6. Satellite images show a disperse ash cloud moving to the east and southeast. Ambato and Riobamba are also affected, and road traffic is slow. Tungurahua erupted in 2006 causing significant damage, displacement, deaths, and injuries. Ash from the eruption affected not just the immediate vicinity of the volcano, but also closed the city of Baños.

Here in Quito, we don't notice any affects from the volcano - but it's hard to believe all this is going on just four hours south of here. And of course, we feel for all the people who have had to leave their homes and belongings behind.

We are also aware of the severe weather up the states this week - including the tornadoes in TN. We were sorry to see so many people who lost their homes and all the damage that was done.