Monday, February 3, 2014

Volcano Tungurahua Erupts, Caution Advised when Traveling in the Area

Volcano Tungurahua Erupts, Caution Advised when Traveling in the Area
February 3, 2014
Department of State: USA
The U.S. Mission in Ecuador advises U.S. citizens living or traveling in Ecuador that the Tungurahua volcano, located near the tourist community of Baños in Tungurahua Province, central Ecuador, has reactivated with a period of high activity that includes emissions of ash and pyroclastic flows (fast-moving currents of hot gas and rock).


Ash has fallen over a wide area of central Ecuador, temporarily closing the airport in Cuenca, reaching as far south as Loja, and dusting the southern section of Quito. Past eruptions have affected air travel throughout Ecuador. Some airlines have already canceled individual flights as a precautionary measure. Quito airport remains open for all flights except those going to Cuenca. U.S. citizens planning to fly to, from, or within Ecuador should monitor news outlets, check their flight status, and have a plan in the event of flight cancellations.
Because Ecuador is in a region of frequent volcano eruptions and earthquakes, U.S. citizens residing in Ecuador should keep extra food and water at home and consider purchasing dust masks and heavy gloves to protect hands during ash clean-up.
For more information on current activity, visit the Spanish-language website of the Ecuadorian Geophysical Institute, which monitors volcanoes and earthquakes.
Americans living or traveling in Ecuador are encouraged to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in order to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador through the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information for Ecuador and the latest Travel Alerts and Warnings and Worldwide Caution at the Department's website. Updated information on travel and security in Ecuador may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling 1-202-501-4444 outside the United States.
The U.S. Embassy in Quito is located at Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro. The telephone number for American Citizen Service (ACS) inquiries is (011 593-2) 398-5000. Within the same city use the last seven digits. Add the city code for intercity telephone calls. Email contact is available during business hours at ACSQuito@state.gov.
Public call-in hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and Friday 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
For after-hours emergencies, contact the Embassy at (011 593-2) 398-5200. Appointments for ACS are available through our website.
The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is located at Avenida Jose Rodriguez Bonin and Calle Santa Ana in the San Eduardo neighborhood. The telephone number for U.S. citizen inquiries is (011-593-4) 371-7000 from the United States, or (04) 371-7000 from within Ecuador, available 24 hours a day. Email contact is available during business hours at ACSGuayaquil@state.gov.
Anyone can follow the activities of the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador through the Embassy website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube-
see more photos of Banos & Tungurahua: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.539412969459196.1073741841.112919505441880&type=1&l=df54605579
Volcano Tungurahua Erupts, Caution Advised when Traveling in the Area February 3, 2014 Department of State: USA The U.S. Mission in Ecuador advises U.S. citizens living or traveling in Ecuador that the Tungurahua volcano, located near the tourist community of Baños in Tungurahua Province, central Ecuador, has reactivated with a period of high activity that includes emissions of ash and pyroclastic flows (fast-moving currents of hot gas and rock). Ash has fallen over a wide area of central Ecuador, temporarily closing the airport in Cuenca, reaching as far south as Loja, and dusting the southern section of Quito. Past eruptions have affected air travel throughout Ecuador. Some airlines have already canceled individual flights as a precautionary measure. Quito airport remains open for all flights except those going to Cuenca. U.S. citizens planning to fly to, from, or within Ecuador should monitor news outlets, check their flight status, and have a plan in the event of flight cancellations. Because Ecuador is in a region of frequent volcano eruptions and earthquakes, U.S. citizens residing in Ecuador should keep extra food and water at home and consider purchasing dust masks and heavy gloves to protect hands during ash clean-up. For more information on current activity, visit the Spanish-language website of the Ecuadorian Geophysical Institute, which monitors volcanoes and earthquakes. Americans living or traveling in Ecuador are encouraged to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in order to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador through the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information for Ecuador and the latest Travel Alerts and Warnings and Worldwide Caution at the Department's website. Updated information on travel and security in Ecuador may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling 1-202-501-4444 outside the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Quito is located at Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro. The telephone number for American Citizen Service (ACS) inquiries is (011 593-2) 398-5000. Within the same city use the last seven digits. Add the city code for intercity telephone calls. Email contact is available during business hours at ACSQuito@state.gov. Public call-in hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and Friday 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. For after-hours emergencies, contact the Embassy at (011 593-2) 398-5200. Appointments for ACS are available through our website. The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is located at Avenida Jose Rodriguez Bonin and Calle Santa Ana in the San Eduardo neighborhood. The telephone number for U.S. citizen inquiries is (011-593-4) 371-7000 from the United States, or (04) 371-7000 from within Ecuador, available 24 hours a day. Email contact is available during business hours at ACSGuayaquil@state.gov. Anyone can follow the activities of the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador through the Embassy website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
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1 comment:

  1. Journeyman Jack In EcuadorFebruary 4, 2014 at 11:33 AM

    Erionite is a naturally occurring fiber that is found in volcanic ash. It is often compared to asbestos because of its hazardous fibers. Erionite can be found in fibrous form, like asbestos and vermiculite. In the past, erionite was not seen as a health risk.

    However, it has proven a hazard to those who come into contact with it. Patients have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of being exposed to erionite. These fibers are only a threat if they become airborne. Studies have shown that erionite can be up to 800 more times as carcinogenic than asbestos....: http://www.mesotheliomaguide.com/mesothelioma/causes/asbestos/

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