November 3, 2002 Eruption of Reventador

Widespread ashfall to the Wand SW caused visibility problems, respiratory ailments, some roof collapses, and an undisclosed number of deaths and injuries to people attempting to clean their roofs of ash. (reference #9675)

Effects of the 2002 eruption. Widespread ashfall to the W and SW caused visibility problems, respiratory ailments, some roof collapses, an undisclosed number of deaths and injuries to people attempting to clean their roofs of ash, crop damages, cattle illnesses, closure of Quito's airport for eight days, and power outages in some areas for up to four days. Legally enforced cleaning of all public streets and sidewalks by broom-wielding residents limited the amount of ash entering sewer systems. Lower speed limits were put in place to reduce airborne ash kicked up by passing vehicles. Ecuador's principal crude oil pipeline, although not severed, remained threatened by daily debris flows. (reference #2432)