Ecuador said the volcano alert

 this is the first significant activity of volcano Tungurahua this year the Ecuador declared an AMBER Alert after the Tungurahua volcano started spewing ash again.

More than 7 km high plume (4.3 miles) could be seen emerging from the volcano in central Ecuador.

Authorities evacuate residents living near the volcano rim and ordered to close local schools.

The Tungurahua erupted periodically over 12 years, but this is its first major activity this year.

Monitors said they have detected six eruptions, ranging from moderate to high.

"According to our observations, damage to crops, pasture and small effects for the health of the people are already evident," Ecuadorian Institute of Geophysics said.