Baños, Ecuador—The ground beneath Tungurahua began shifting early this morning. Residents in the shadow of the mountain felt the first deep rumbles just after dawn. These tremors are not typical. They are constant, rhythmic, and sharp.

Local authorities issued an immediate evacuation order for three villages located on the northern flank. Emergency sirens cut through the morning mist, signaling the start of a mass departure. People are moving quickly, loading vehicles with whatever they can carry.

The volcano has a long history of sudden, violent outbursts. Villagers know the sound of the throat of fire. They are not waiting for official confirmation of an eruption to leave. Fear dictates the pace.

Emergency management teams are currently positioning heavy machinery along the main exit roads. They need to keep the paths clear for families trying to escape the danger zone. Dust rises from the roads as trucks push through the narrow, winding passes.

Government officials report that seismic monitoring stations are recording an upward trend in activity. They fear that pyroclastic flows could breach established containment barriers within hours. The stakes are rising by the minute.

We are seeing a chaotic scene at the collection points. Some residents refuse to leave their livestock behind. They argue with police who are trying to force them onto the transport buses. Friction between safety teams and locals is high.

There is no sign of ash plumes yet, but the air smells faintly of sulfur. The atmosphere is tense. Observers note that the mountain seems to be building pressure internally. The silence between the tremors is heavy and unsettling.

Rescuers are now performing a final sweep of the designated exclusion zone. They are searching for anyone who might have been missed in the initial push to clear the area. Every second counts in this volatile environment.

The situation remains fluid. We have no clear timeline on when it might be safe to return. The mountain remains active and unpredictable.