View of an eruption at the Tungurahua volcano, from the city of Banos, early on December 17, 2012. Ecuador issued an orange alert -- the second-highest warning level -- for towns near the Tungurahua volcano on the eve, as its level of activity rose, civil defense officials said. (Photo Source: chinanews.com)

Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos, south of Quito, December 17, 2012. (Photo Source: chinanews.com)

View of an eruption at the Tungurahua volcano, from the city of Banos, early on December 17, 2012. Ecuador issued an orange alert -- the second-highest warning level -- for towns near the Tungurahua volcano on the eve, as its level of activity rose, civil defense officials said. (Photo Source: chinanews.com)

Ecuador's Tungurahua volcano spews large clouds of gas and ash near Banos, south of Quito, December 17, 2012. Ecuador issued an orange alert -- the second-highest warning level -- for towns near the Tungurahua volcano on the eve, as its level of activity rose, civil defense officials said. (Photo Source: chinanews.com)