Ecuador’s Tungurahua Volcano Erupts (Photos)

There is an increased activity at the Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador.

It is already releasing ash and lava.

The Tungurahua volcano has been in an active state since October 1999.

Ash and steam billow from the Tungurahua volcano, seen from Huambalo, Ecuador, early Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

Ecuador’s Tungurahua volcano spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos, about 178 km (110 miles) south of Quito August 19, 2012. The authorities are encouraging residents living near the volcano to evacuate due to increased activity of the volcano, according to local media. The Tungurahua volcano has been in an active state since October 1999. REUTERS/Carlos Campann

Ecuador’s Tungurahua volcano spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos, about 178 km (110 miles) south of Quito August 19, 2012. REUTERS/Carlos Campann

Ecuador’s Tungurahua volcano spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos, about 178 km (110 miles) south of Quito August 19, 2012. REUTERS/Carlos Campann

Ecuador’s Tungurahua volcano spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos, about 178 km (110 miles) south of Quito August 19, 2012. REUTERS/Carlos Campann

Ecuador’s Tungurahua volcano spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos, about 178 km (110 miles) south of Quito August 19, 2012. REUTERS/Carlos Campann

A house covered with ashes is seen in the skirts of the Tungurahua volcano after it spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos, about 178 km (110 miles) south of Quito August 19, 2012. REUTERS/Carlos Campann

 

Lava erupts from the Tungurahua volcano, seen from Huambalo, Ecuador, early Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)