Seismic activity at Tungurahua remains elevated, the volcano is continually emitting ash, and explosive activity at the summit continues, albeit at a slightly reduced intensity when compared with preceding days, reports the Ecuadorian Instituto Geofísico (IG) in their latest daily bulletin (PDF). The explosions may be fewer in number, but are marked by ‘a slight increase in size’. The eruption column has reached a maximum altitude of 4km, with ashfall taking place to the west, and lahars, produced by recent heavy rains, have been reported north-west of the volcano.

The IG held a meeting yesterday in the civic hall of Cevallos, reports El Comercio, and warned that activity at Tungaruhua may continue to increase to levels last seen in February this year, or even in August 2006. ‘Over the past two months there has been a gradual increase’, said IG volcanologist Patricia Mothes, ‘But last weekend saw a marked increase in activity. There are more explosions, more earthquakes and ash’. An updated risk map was also distributed for scrutiny by the local authorities.

Reports in the Ecuadorian newspaper La Hora and AFP say that the mayor of Penipe has requested the declaration of a state of emergency for the district because of the revival of activity at Tungurahua and in particular the constant emission of ash and resulting mudflows and landslides. The existing state of emergency for the areas around the volcano expires this month, and local political leaders are pressing the Ministry of Internal Security for its renewal, ensuring the continuing supply of funds and other support.

For all our Tungurahua coverage: Tungurahua << The Volcanism Blog

Information
Global Volcanism Program: Tungurahua – summary information for Tungurahua (1502-80=)
Instituto Geofísico (Escuela Politecnica Nacional) – Geophysical Institute of Ecuador

News
Piden nueva declaratoria de emergencia – La Hora, 28 May 2008 (Spanish)
Alcalde pedirá declaratoria de emergencia por erupción de volcán en Ecuador – AFP, 28 May 2008 (Spanish)
El Geofísico presentó un nuevo mapa de riesgos – El Comercio, 28 May 2008 (Spanish)