OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Ecuador - Volcanic Eruption
4 November 2002

Major eruption of the Reventador volcano, 90 km east of Quito

1. The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ecuador reports that the Reventador volcano showed seismic unrest starting early hours of 3 November, producing a cloud of ash and gas, followed by successive explosions. Approximately at 9:00 local time (15:00 GMT), a major explosion occurred and pyroclastic flows reached the Baeza-Lumbaqui highway, blocking inter-city traffic. Ash has fallen to Baeza, Cayambe, Yaruqui, El Quinche, Tumbaco, Pifo, Sangoqui and Quito, Ecuador's capital.

2. No loss of life has been reported from the eruption of Reventador, a 3,560 m volcano located 90 km east of Quito on the eastern range of the Andes. The most recent eruption, in January of 1976, produced bombs, ash and lava flows (source: University of North Dakota, at volcano.und.nodak.edu.)

3. According to El Comercio newspaper, all operations at the Mariscal Sucre airport in Quito have been suspended. All flights arriving to Quito are being rerouted to Guayaquil.

4. The Office of the OCHA Regional Disaster Response Advisor reports that the Government of Ecuador declared State of Emergency for the provinces of Pichincha, Sucumbios and Napo, affected by ash fall, in order to mobilize financial and logistical assistance.

5. Families living in the town of El Chaco in the vicinity of the volcano, are being evacuated to safe areas by the Civil Defense.

6. OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Quito.

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