MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Ecuador Volcano Poised to Erupt Again

The eruption of Tungurahua in Ecuador has left 50. 000 people living in the shadow of the volcano in urgent need of assistance and more than 1 million people have been affected by ash, Red Cross officials said on Saturday.

Tungurahua, nicknamed the Black Giant by locals, the 16,575-foot volcano 85 miles south of the capital, Quito, remained in an apparent state of calm yesterday, said Patricia Mothes, a volcanologist with Ecuador's Geophysics Institute. But she warned that energy was building up inside.

Ecuadorian President Alfredo Palacio has appealed to the international community for donations of money and material aid for the residents of seven nearby villages damaged or destroyed by the current eruption, which began on Wednesday.

The central government has issued disaster declarations for at least three provinces.

The roofs of many homes near Tungurahua have collapsed under the weight of volcanic ash. Electricity is out and drinking water sources have been fouled by the eruption.

Geologists estimated that the volcano has already spewed 20-million cubic metres of ash and rock since Wednesday. Local residents live mainly from agriculture, and their livelihoods may now be disrupted for a lengthy period by the thick layer of ash covering the ground and existing crops.

More than 11 000ha planted in corn, potatoes, vegetables and grains are affected. Livestock are now foraging in vain for plants to graze.

Local people wore breathing masks as they swept up ashes, according to television footage from the region, and many sensitive people complained of breathing difficulties. Domestic air flights were cancelled as the ash and smoke spread across the country to the Pacific Ocean.

Today Sunday, a Spanish team belonging to "Firefighters Without Borders" left Madrid for Ecuador, where they plan to install a water plant and distribute medicines.

The Spanish Embassy said it would supply 10,000 masks, 1,000 eye protectors, 12,000 five-liter water containers and 6,000 burlap sacks, which will be used to gather up a portion of the ash spewed by volcano.