Ash from the Sangay volcano reaches coastal cities

The cloud of ash from the Sangay volcano expanded and has resulted in the fall of material in several towns on the Ecuadorian coast, according to reports from the Risk Management Service and the Geophysical Institute.

This afternoon, the passage of ash towards the northwest caused the phenomenon in sectors of Mocache and Ventanas, in Los Ríos, indicated the Geophysicist. Likewise, the situation was replicated in El Empalme, Guayas.

Due to visibility problems, the José Joaquín de Olmedo airport suspended operations; activity resumed from noon

In the early hours of the morning, several sectors of Riobamba, Colta and Guamote, in Chimborazo, and in Guaranda, Chimbo, San Miguel, Las Naves, in Bolívar, were affected by the presence of dust, according to reports from the Geophysical Institute and the Risk Management Service.

This morning, the Risk Management Service detailed that the Geophysicist recorded an ash cloud that reached 7 kilometers above the crater level, with a high probability of volcanic dust falling in areas to the west and northwest of the volcano, located on the province of Morona Santiago, in the Amazon.

The entities recommended the use of masks, glasses and clothing that protects the skin and head to avoid discomfort due to the presence of ash.

In addition, Risk Management warned of the possible fall of material in towns of Manabí.

“Due to the eruption of the Sangay volcano, Ecuador Risks has informed us that there is a forecast of ash fall in Manabí according to the direction of the wind. According to the simulation, the ash cloud would reach Chone, Manta and Bahía de Caráquez,” declared Juan Francisco Núñez, governor of Manabí.

The official asked the public to be informed by official means and to take preventive measures in the event that volcanic ash falls. (I)