South America and South Atlantic Islands

In late 2007 and early 2008 volcanic activity in Tungurahua, near the resort of Baños, increased significantly.  On 6 February 2008 Tungurahua erupted, expelling burning rocks towards the north west, west and south west of the volcano.  The ash affected many areas in Tungurahua and Chimborazo provinces, and parts of the province of Cañar.  Some rural families were evacuated.  Intensity of the volcano's activity was variable in 2008, increasing in frequency and force in June 2009. The Ecuadorian authorities have forbidden all access to the volcano and its immediate surroundings. Since July 2009 the volcanic and seismic activity has remained low and there are no major changes or signs of potential increase.  However, the volcanic activity is always susceptible to sudden increase.  We advise caution if you intend to travel to Baños city or nearby the Tungurahua volcano area within Tungurahua and Chimborazo provinces. You should always monitor media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Landslides, known locally as 'lahars' - created by rain mixed with volcanic rocks and mud - regularly cut off road communication between Baños and Ambato and/or Puyo, but access is usually re-established quickly.

If you are in Baños when an emergency occurs you should to try to reach the evacuation shelters on the east side of town, around 'Santa Ana' neighbourhood.  This is on the main road out of Baños towards Puyo.  Evacuation routes are marked with yellow arrows throughout the town.  There is also a siren system to alert people to evacuate.  

For further information, for those who speak Spanish, the Civil Defence Committee can be contacted on 00593 3 2741789 or 740.  You should also check the website of the National Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute (in Spanish) for the very latest information. For easier reference see the Baños Evacuation Map on the British Embassy Quito website.

Cerro Azul

On 29 May 2008, the Cerro Azul volcano, located in the south west of Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands, 48 km from Villamil Port, erupted with lava flows that descended down the south eastern flank of the volcano. Neither the local population nor tourist routes have been affected.

Reventador
 
On 8 November 2008 Reventador volcano, in Napo Province, began to show increased activity, expelling burning rocks, lava and ash. The volcano's activity has now reduced, but you are still advised not to attempt to climb the volcano.
 

Sangay

 
Sangay volcano, located between the provinces of Chimborazo and Morona Santiago, has increased in activity since the end of December 2006.
 

Cotopaxi

 
Cotopaxi volcano, in Cotopaxi province, is a popular visitor location due to its closeness to the capital, and it is climbed by many amateur mountaineers.  Its activity closely monitored by the Ecuadorian authorities and considered active, but not currently dangerous.
 

Earth tremors

 
Earth tremors happen most of the time, although many are not felt.  Generally there are between 100 and 200 noticeable tremors (4 and above on the Richter Scale) per year throughout Ecuador and most happen in coastal regions.  More recently, there were a series of noticeable tremors in Quito in 2007, the most recent in September of that year, due to a moderate earthquake (6.8 at the epicentre) on the southern coast of Colombia.  On 15 August 2007, there were minor tremors throughout Ecuador, although mainly felt in the southern coastal regions, due to a major earthquake in Peru. 
 

El Niño

 
Ecuador is vulnerable to the irregular 'El Niño' climatic phenomenon and was last affected in 1997 and 1998.  Coastal regions are normally the most affected but also at risk are the jungle regions of Orellana, Morona Santiago and Sucumbios (for security reasons we advise against travel to this province), where heavy rains and widespread flooding can occur.  Other 'El Niño' effects include the risk of landslides in the regions of Bolivar, Cañarand Azuay; and a hotter climate in all parts of Ecuador.

In November 2009, the Ecuadorian Government announced a national energy emergency due to severe drought which has affected the whole country.  Power cuts have been ordered during certain hours throughout Ecuador, which could be extended until the end of the year.