Ecuador: Tungurahua Volcano OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: 2006/0080
OCHA Situation Report No.1
Tungurahua Volcano - Ecuador

This situation report is based on information provided by the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ecuador, the National Geophysical Institute of Ecuador as well as media reports.

Situation

1. The Tungurahua volcano, known as "The Black Giant", is located 135 km southeast of Quito and its elevation is 5,106 meters. Its latest eruption began in October 1999 and prompted the temporary evacuation of the town of Baños. Since then, the volcano's activity has been characterised by periods of intense activity, particularly in August 2001, September 2002 and June 2003, combined with calmer periods.

2. According to the National Geophysical Institute of Ecuador, an increase in the volcanic activity of the Tungurahua Volcano has been recorded since 10 May 2006. Since then, strong explosions and hundreds of tremors have been registered, with moderate and strong emissions of steam and gas, and very low ash fall. Loud roars and incandescent rocks coming from the volcano are reported daily.

3. On 16 May, the President of Ecuador declared a state of emergency in several villages in the affected provinces of Tungurahua and Chimborazo.

4. On 23 May, the National Geophysical Institute of Ecuador reported that the volcanic activity was decreasing. The technicians of the institute, who monitor it around the clock, indicated that the last explosion was moderate and caused a slight drop of ashes in Bilbao, in Chimborazo. The emanation of sulfuric ashes has decreased as well and there are no signs of likely eruptions. Seven counties in the provinces of Tunguragua and Chimborazo would need to be evacuated in case of a large-scale eruption.

National response

5. As a security measure, fifty families from the community of Cusúa remain in temporary shelters during the night in El Tingue and return in the morning.

6. Civil Defense, the Ecuadorian Red Cross and other institutions are providing food, medicines, mattresses, and blankets to families in shelters. Six temporary shelters have been established in churches, community houses, and schools in the communities of El Pingüe and Guadalupe in order to receive families in the event of an evacuation.

7. A UNETE needs assessment mission was undertaken on 18-19 May, with the participation of the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD) and the Ecuadorian Red Cross. The team met with local Emergency Operations Committees, and visited temporary shelters and affected communities. Response capacity was evaluated and contingency plans were revised.

International response

8. The Government of Ecuador has not requested international assistance.

9. OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Ecuador and UNDMT/UNETE and will revert with further information as it becomes available.

10. This situation report, together with further information on other ongoing emergencies is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int

MAP: Ecuador: Tungurahua Volcano - Situation map

Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:

Ms. Marie Spaak
E-mail: spaak@un.org
Direct Tel. +41-22-917 21 63

Ms. Myrtia Murgia
E-mail: murgia@un.org
Direct Tel: +41 22 917 31 45

Press contact:

(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, Direct Tel. + 41-22-917 2653
(N.Y.) Ms. Stephanie Bunker, Direct Tel. +1-917-367 51 26
Mr. Brian Grogan, Direct Tel. +1-212-963 11 43