21 August 2012 Last updated at 08:28 ET

In pictures: Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano

Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano spews lava and ash into the air

Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano, some 135km (85 miles) southeast of the capital, Quito, has begun spewing lava and ash in a recent increase in activity.

Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano spews lava and ash into the air

The volcano, which has been active since 1999, has registered nine explosions in the last few days according to volcanologists in the area.

Tungurahua volcano spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos

"The noises were heard in areas near the volcano and it also rattled the ground and some buildings in areas close to the volcano," said Silvia Vallejo, an engineer from Ecuador's Geophysical Institute.

View of the Tungurahua Volcano throwing incandescent rocks and lava

The surrounding region has been put on alert amid reports of hot gas and lava flowing down the Tungurahua slopes.

Tungurahua volcano spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos, about 178 km (110 miles) south of Quito

The tourist town of Banos is nearby. In 1999, when the Tungurahua had a major eruption, its 15,000 inhabitants were forced to leave. They were not able to return to their homes for a year.

Volcanic ash from the latest activity has blanketed areas to the west of the peak.

A cow covered with ashes near the Tungurahua volcano

Ash deposits are also affecting livestock and villagers in the surrounding areas.

Tungurahua volcano spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos

The activity has so far been relatively low level and there have been no reported landslides as yet.

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