Quito, (28/08/2015) Last Friday, August 14, a yellow alert was declared in the provinces of Cotopaxi, Tungurahua and Pichincha as a result of emissions of ash from the Cotopaxi volcano which occurred in the course of the last few hours prior this announcement. In this regard, President Rafael Correa, advised the public to remain calm and to keep themselves informed using the only official channel, which in this case is the Ministry of Security Coordination with its spokesperson, Minister Cesar Navas.

Similarly, President Correa declared a state of exception throughout the country due to the Cotopaxi volcano eruption process, in order allocate all necessary resources to assist immediately and efficiently to the community in case of an emergency.

According to the latest newsletter issued by the Ministry of Security Coordination, the Geophysical Institute reported that the afternoon and evening on Wednesday, August 26, through satellite photographs, gas and ash emissions were detected. The Institute also reported that so far, the atmosphere near the volcano, remains clear, with the presence of light gas emissions in the vicinity of the crater. The Ministry of Security Coordination announced that the volcano is being monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the goal of having permanent information on its activity.

In earlier days, as a preventive measure, the entrance to Cotopaxi National Park and el Boliche National Recreation Area was suspended due to the ash fall. Given this alert, the Ministry of Tourism calls tourists and tour operators to remain alert to guidelines and recommendations provided by the Ministry of Security Coordination. We will continue to inform through this channel.

The local airports are open and operating normally, including the airport in Latacunga. Also, tourism activities are normal in the rest of the country as well as National Parks, such as: Cayambe Coca, Galapagos, Llanganates, Machalilla, Podocarpus, Sangay, Sumaco, Yasuni, Yacuri and Cajas. Remember also that Ecuador offers numerous options to visit and enjoy a unique journey in the Andes, the Coastal region, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands; four worlds, each with spectacular destinations to discover.

For adventure lovers, here are some excellent options: Ilinizas Ecological Reserves, El Angel, Antisana, Cotacachi Cayapas; Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge, Pululahua Geobotany Reserve; Puyango Petrified Forest; Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve; Limoncocha Biological Reserve; among others.

In case to visit Quito or areas near the volcano, where ash fall is recorded, it is advisable to consider the following recommendations:

• Protect your eyes with goggles, nose and mouth with a damp cloth and mask.
• Wear clothes that cover most of your body, to prevent skin damage.
• Cover food and drinking water, to avoid contamination with ash.
• If you have animals, you should also pay attention to this recommendations.
• Insulate gaps in doors and windows, to prevent the ash from coming in.

Useful information:

Alerts warn us from danger.Ina volcanicemergency,the authorities,withtechnicaladvice, declarealerts sopeopleand entities responsibletakesecurity measures.

The yellow alert is a significant activation announcement of the threat.

After the announcement of this alert, President Rafael Correa declared a state of exception throughout the country to be alert for a possible eruption of the volcano. The measure allows to allocate resources and means in order to safeguard the integrity of the people.

Due to the activation of a yellow alert, the Ministry of Security Coordination recommends:

• Review afamily emergency plan, find out about evacuation routes andsafe places.
• Takethe basic personal and family safety measures, have your emergency kit.
• Be informedbyofficial sources (Ministry of Security Coordination).

Do not forget that an orange alert is a warning to prepare for an impending adverse event; and a red alert refers to the attention of a emergency or disaster.

For more information visit:

http://www.seguridad.gob.ec/
#VolcánCotopaxi

MCP