Ecuador's Cotopaxi Volcano Spews Ash and Gas

Ash, steam and gas shot more than half a mile high from Ecuador’s Cotopaxi Volcano around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 17. The government declared a state of emergency on Saturday after strong activity began the day before. At least 400 people were evacuated from villages at the volcano’s base and surrounding areas remained on yellow alert.

Cotopaxi is about 30 miles south of Quito, Ecuador’s capital. Dormant since 1877, activity recommenced at the vocano in April. Credit: Facebook/Abel Córdova