UN assists in response to Ecuador volcano eruption

(New York: 17 July 2006): The United Nations agencies are offering humanitarian assistance in support of the Government of Ecuador's response to the eruption of the Tungurahua Volcano, which began on Friday, 14 July.
According to national authorities, more than 3,600 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas near the volcano. No deaths have been reported. The volcano began erupting on Friday evening, with several strong explosions, a 6 kilometre ash column, and pyroclastic flows in the Juive Grande rift recorded. By Saturday, the volcano's activity had become variable, while by Sunday morning, there were large explosions occurring every 30 to 40 minutes.

The Government of Ecuador has not requested international assistance. However, the United Nations Emergency Technical Team (UNETE) has been in contact and coordinating with the provincial authorities, who are leading the national response, as well as with the Civil Defence and the national Red Cross.

In coordination with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) is assessing the health situation. Contingency plans have been activated in the affected areas and a health situation room established in the province. Quick Response Teams have also been activated.

The World Food Programme (WFP) delivered 750 food rations to the Civil Defence warehouse in Tungurahua, which will be distributed in Tungurahua and Chimborazo, including through the Government's social feeding programme "Alimentate Ecuador". The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has offered to provide 150 tents for shelter, while the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will supply teaching materials for children in shelters.

Tungurahua Volcano is located 135 kilometres southeast of the capital city, Quito, with an altitude of 5,106 metres. The last major eruption occurred in October 1999.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570. OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int.