The president of Ecuador has imposed a state of emergency in the country over concern that the volcano Cotopaxi might erupt.
President Rafael Correa on Saturday said it was important to prepare by mobilising the necessary financial means and to concentrate other resources.
The measures theoretically mean there could be limits on freedom of assembly and news coverage.
Correa said security co-ordinator Cesar Navas was in charge of the measures and urged calm.
"In such emergencies panic is produced, and that creates more problems than solutions," Correa said.
