Ecuador’s Cotopaxi volcano has been emitting a plume of gas and vapour which over the weekend reached a height of 1.8km above its crater. Ash from the volcano has fallen south of the capital, Quito, and in surrounding valleys, according to the Ecuadoran Geophysical Institute. EPA

File Photo: Image shows people watching the Cotopaxi volcano in El Chasqui, Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador. Gas and water vapor emissions, a low level of ash and an increase in seismic activity were recorded on Sunday at the Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador, according to the Ecuadoran Geophysical Institute of the National Polytechnic School. (Xinhua/Santiago Armas)

Figura 3.- Cumbre del volcán Cotopaxi con ceniza (08/11/2022) y nieve (22/11/2022) (fotos: B. Bernard – IGEPN). The ash fall had affected the south of the capital city of Quito and surrounding valleys, it said. “It is recommended to take pertinent measures and follow information from official sources,” said the agency.

Figura 4.- Temperaturas máximas aparentes medidas en la zona de Yanasacha (imágenes: B. Bernard – IGEPN). Since Oct. 23, a yellow alert, meaning moderate risk, has been in force in the areas near the volcano, which is active but has not erupted. Its last major eruption occurred on June 26, 1877.