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Tuesday, 18 of August of 2015

20:00

COTOPAXI VOLCANO

PRESS RELEASE 008

At 18h00 the Geophysics Institute of the Polytechnic University submitted a

report that indicated a slight fall of ashes over the towns of José Guango,

Tanicuchí, Lasso, Pastocalle, Mulaló and Chasqui, located in the district of

Latacunga and the Province of Cotopaxi; an effect of the current volcanic

activity.

On the other hand, today various national authorities performed several

preventive tasks in the potential affected zones:

The Secretary of Risk Management continued to train residents living in

potential risk zones, within the district of Latacunga (Colcas, Churopinto, El

Caspi, San Agustín, Ticatilín, Rumipamba y Callo Mancheno), on safety

measures, evacuation routes, meeting points, shelters, and safety measures for

animals.

After evaluating the effects of the volcanic activity on various neighborhoods

within the Province of Cotopaxi, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and

Fisheries secured 14 tons of cattle feed provisions for these communities in

order to mitigate the effects ash can have on the health of animals who eat

contaminated grass.

Authorities of the Ministry of Public Health visited health clinics located in the

towns of Lasso, Mulaló y Guaytacama and hospitals in Latacunga y Salcedo to

check the activation of the contingency plans.

A large contingent of the National Police was delegated to safeguard the

citizens and care for public and private property in the zones of potential risk.

In addition, tomorrow Wednesday 19 of August the authorities of the Ministry of

Security Coordination and the Secretary of Risk Management will participate in

the Council of Emergency Operations of the district of Mejía in order to follow up

contingency plans and the implementation of preventive actions.

Finally and in light of this continued volcanic activity, particularly due to the ash

falls, we remind you of the importance to protect your airways in order to

prevent health issues. We recommend covering your eyes appropriately as well

as using a clinical mask or damp cloth to cover your nose and mouth.