Thousands flee volcanos in Ecuador and Guatemala

QUITO, Ecuador — Eruptions are easing at Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano the day after major blasts of rock and ash triggered evacuations and flight suspensions.

Mario Ruiz of the National Geophysics Institute says Tungurahua no longer is spewing material far beyond its crater.

President Rafael Correa is praising the efficiency of evacuations. About 2,500 people — and 2,600 cattle — have been moved to safety.

Local Emergency Committee President Francisco Mora said Saturday that roads in the area have been reopened even as officials remain prepared for a massive evacuation in the event strong eruptions.

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On 28 May 2010 Ecuador's National Geophysics Institute reported hot explosive volcanic material blasted down the slopes of the Tungurahua Volcano as ash plumes ascended 10 km above sea level. Currently there are 2,500 displaced persons that have taken refuge in 7 collective centres located in the surrounding areas. In a 2006 eruption Tungurahua buried entire towns, taking 4 lives and leaving 1,000 homeless.

The volcano is situated 150 km southeast of Quito and 185 km southwest of Guayaquil.

The Ecuadorian Red Cross with the support of the Federation, has determined that external assistance is currently not required, and is therefore not seeking funding or other assistance from donors at this time.

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MUMA-85X2BP?OpenDocument