This Friday morning, the Geophysical Institute of the National Polytechnic School reported that the cloud of gases and ashes coming out of its interior reaches a kilometer in height.

The head of the Secretariat of Risk Management, Cristian Torres, explained that they are working on three possible scenarios, including the one considered less probable, which is an eruption with the presence of strong lahars affecting the north and south drainages of the volcano, as in 1877.

In this case, he warned, four municipalities would be directly affected: the south of Quito, Latacunga, Mejía and Rumiñahui, where 25 thousand people live, but the effects would reach 700 thousand citizens.

In case of an eruption, he indicated, the inhabitants will receive the evacuation warning through the 55 sirens installed.

On Thursday, the Integrated Security Service ECU 911 reported a slight ash fall in the south of the Ecuadorian capital, only 45 kilometers from the volcano.

Authorities recommended protecting eyes, nose and mouth with goggles and masks, as well as the skin with long-sleeved clothing.

Located in the Andes mountain range, it is the second highest peak in the country, at 5897 meters above sea level, and its previous awakening occurred on August 14, 2015, after having been inactive for 138 years.

jrr/arm/jcm/avr.