UN – Ecuador Situation Report No. 7
Tungurahua Volcano
17 – 08 – 2006
Situation update
According to the National Geophysical Institute of Ecuador, on 16 August volcanic
activity increased alarmingly, the volcano begun its eruption on the morning and its
activity intensified overnight. Explosions continue to produce abundant and massive
clouds of ash, steam and gas (approximately 8 km of altitude), as well as abundant lava
and pyroclastic flows.
Huge incandescent rocks and volcanic material descended through Achupashal, Cusúa,
Mandur, Bascún, Juive Grande and La Hacienda rifts. Volcanic material was also
reported in Baños.
Volcanic material that descended through Achupashal rift has blocked the rivers
Chambo and Puela producing a dam and putting at risk several communities. The main
road from Baños to Riobamba is blocked by volcanic material as well as the main road
leading from Ambato to Baños. Also significant amounts of gravel and ash have been
reported in Penipe, Pelileo, Cevallos, San Juan, Cotaló, and Pillate.
Electricity has been interrupted in Baños and Puyo; volcanic material has destroyed
several houses, others have been flooded because of the Puela river dam, and others
have been on fire. The sewage system in Puela has collapsed, and Riobamba’s sewage
system is at risk.
About 3,700 people have been evacuated from the slopes of the Tungurahua volcano.
Massive clouds of ash have covered entire communities; people fled the area with their
belongings strapped to their backs and their livestock trailing behind. Troops helped the
evacuation from the volcano.
Farmers have lost cattle and crops. Pastures and crops have been totally destroyed by
the massive ash fall.
Nearby towns have been covered in volcanic ash, as the wind carried the dust up to
120km from the volcano Tungurahua.
The provinces of Los Ríos and Bolívar have also been severely affected by ash fall.
Portoviejo in Manabí province and Guayaquil in Guayas province have been slightly
affected by ash fall. The airports of Guayaquil and Cuenca have closed its operations.
Authorities have reported that approximately 50 persons are missing, 4 persons have
been reported slight burns. Respiratory infections have also been treated.
People are scared and in some areas people are in shock.
According to the Geophysical Institute authorities, the volcano's activity ended abruptly
this morning.
UN response
1. UNETE continues to coordinate with provincial authorities, the Civil Defense,
and the Red Cross. UNCT is being informed continuously on the development
of the situation.
2. UN security phase 1 has been declared in the provinces of Tungurahua,
Chimborazo, Bolívar and Pastaza.
3. UNETE continues to coordinate activities with international and local NGOs,
and are also working on the elaboration of an early recovery strategy for the
provinces of Chimborazo and Tungurahua.
4. The UN System continues to coordinate in the field with Emergency Operations
Committees, local authorities, and the Red Cross.
5. PAHO in coordination with the Ministry of Health continue to work in the
health area.
6. UNICEF in cooperation with the Red Cross, Save the Children- Spain, CRS, and
the Universidad Salesiana continue to give psico social assistance to children in
the affected areas, and are assessing the situation in shelters.
7. WFP in coordination with Contingency Committee will deliver 650 food rations
to shelters in Tungurahua and Pastaza.
8. UN active coordination continues with Government to ensure a broad assistance
to the affected areas.
National response
1. The emergency continues to be addressed by the Provincial Emergency
Operation Committees in Tungurahua and Chimborazo with the support of the
National Police, the Army and authorities. Cantonal Emergency Operation
Committees (COEs) are still activated in Tisaleo, Cevallos, Quero, Mocha,
Pelileo, and Baños in Tungurahua, and Penipe and Guano in Chimborazo.
2. The Civil Defense is giving a broad support to the COEs and the local Civil
Defense in the affected areas.
3. The Red Cross continues to assess the affected areas and shelters, update
information. A rescue team and ambulance were deployed to Tungurahua’s
province early in the morning.
4. According to the Civil Defense 80 persons from Baños have been placed in a
shelter in Mera, Pastaza province, this shelter requires food, mattresses and
blankets. Most of the evacuated persons are still living with relatives or friends.
200 volunteers are assisting the shelters.
5. As the situation is changing continuously there is not accurate information on
the exact number of people in shelters, as well as the precise number of shelters.
6. The government continues to discuss relocation of the most affected
communities.
Amdlt/17/08/2006