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CANADA: Authorities have restricted access to the park that surrounds Cotopaxi and suspended ascents of the peak, which is popular with mountaineers.
Government scientists said the 5,987-metre snow-capped volcano did not seem to be on the verge of a major eruption.
However volcanologist Teofilos Turkeridis told local channel Teleamazonas overnight that the ash emitted by the volcano is indicative of very violent explosions inside, a warning which could preface “the worst scenario.”
Quito’s mayor Mauricio Rodas called for local residents to remain calm and keep themselves informed of the situation.
The volcano, which experienced its last major eruption in 1877, 50 kilometres from Quito and began showing renewed activity in April.
Cotopaxi is considered one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes due to a glacial cover that makes it prone to fast-moving volcanic rock and mud flows, or lahares, and its proximity to a heavily populated area.
