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21 August 2012
Last updated at
13:28
In pictures: Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano
Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano, some 135km (85 miles) southeast of the capital, Quito, has begun spewing lava and ash in a recent increase in activity.
The volcano, which has been active since 1999, has registered nine explosions in the last few days according to volcanologists in the area.
"The noises were heard in areas near the volcano and it also rattled the ground and some buildings in areas close to the volcano," said Silvia Vallejo, an engineer from Ecuador's Geophysical Institute.
The surrounding region has been put on alert amid reports of hot gas and lava flowing down the Tungurahua slopes.
The tourist town of Banos is nearby. In 1999, when the Tungurahua had a major eruption, its 15,000 inhabitants were forced to leave. They were not able to return to their homes for a year.
Volcanic ash from the latest activity has blanketed areas to the west of the peak.
Ash deposits are also affecting livestock and villagers in the surrounding areas.
The activity has so far been relatively low level and there have been no reported landslides as yet.
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