Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quito (Agenzia Fides) - The volcano Tungurahua, located in the centre of Ecuador, once again erupted on Wednesday, February 6, spewing forth a cloud of ashes 10 kilometres high and glowing volcanic rock, amidst intense explosions and boiling lava that flowed down its sides. The eruption caused authorities to order the evacuation of 3,000 people from among seven towns located to the west of the volcano, in hope of preventing any further volcanic activity. On Thursday, following a few brief hours of calm, the volcano once again began to spew forth gases and ashes into the atmosphere. Tungurahua is one of Ecuador’s eight active volcanoes and its registered activity has observed an increase since the end of 2007. In recent days, its activity has intensified considerably.
An emergency evacuation plan has been placed underway and various places of lodging have been determined to accommodate the evacuees. According to President Rafael Correa, the declared state of emergency in the area will be maintained for 60 days and all possible precautions have been taken. Many of those affected, the majority being poor, have grown accustomed to the consequences of living near the volcano and refuse to abandon their land, in spite of the immense losses they have suffered since Tungurahua came out of its dormant state in 1999. In the designated lodging areas, there are problems due to the intense cold temperatures and the lack of infrastructure, food, and medicine.
Edgar Rivandeneira, Secretary of the Social Pastoral Ministry of the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference, said as soon as news of Tungurahua’s further activity and the declaration of a state of emergency in various communities was known, the Catholic Church of Ecuador began to organise its aid groups to attend to the needs of those affected. The immediate aid consisted in the distribution of food rations to, among other towns, Penipe and Cotalo. The Social Pastoral Ministry hopes to distribute food supplies to 2,000 people, over the course of at least 10 days. In addition to this immediate social aid, the Social Pastoral Ministry is performing a study of the situation of the areas affected by the volcanic eruption, with the intention of requesting more help from other related organisations, especially in Europe, through Caritas International. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2008 righe 30, parole 372)
