Natural catastrophes

22.8, earthquake

Ecuador: more than one million Ecuadorians were affected by the eruption of the Tungurahua Volcano. The government declared a state of emergency in the provinces of Bolivar, Chimborazo and Tungurahua, after the 5,029-metre volcano threw ash and burning rock into the stratosphere, affecting almost 454,000 in Tungurahua and 403,632 in Chimborazo. At least five people died and three more went missing. The latter were also presumed dead. The eruption destroyed more than 40,000 hectares of crops in Chimborazo alone. In addition, 50,000 poultry were also killed in the disaster. Ecuador’s Geophysics Institute warned that although volcanic activity was calming, an increasing warp on the north face of the mountain showed that it was continuing to accumulate lava. This could lead to an even larger explosion.