Ecuador’s active Tungurahua volcano

On Sunday at 6.:47 a.m. (local time), Ecuador’s active Tungurahua volcano erupted, sending hot gas and rock 3.1 miles into the air, a spectacle seen from the capital of Quito, more than 95 miles away.

Officials soon declared an "orange alert," a level below red, the highest warning, as hundreds of residents from Cusua, Chacauco and Juive were evacuated. Ash from the volcano was reported to have landed on several towns.  

Tungurahua has been active since 1999, often with heightened seismic activity that poses a threat to nearby towns where lava could possibly reach.