The 5,000-meter (16,500 feet) volcano 135 kilometers (85 miles) south of Quito, one of Ecuador's most active, has been in a state of eruption since October 1999, but entered a new phase of high activity June 5, geophysicists said.

Late Tuesday, the Tungurahua belched forth gases and ash which fell in several places, according to the Geophysical Institute.

The emergency decree said vast areas have been affected by the eruption, with severe damage and destruction to crops and livestock.

With public health at stake, a number of ministries were ordered late Tuesday to take action to counter damage caused by the volcanic activity.

A state of orange alert was declared in October 1999 after Tungurahua showed dramatic signs of eruption, with 30,000 residents and tourists in areas around the volcano ordered to leave the area.

The full evacuation took several months.

TERRA.WIRE