The 4, 630m-high Imbabura volcano, which gives its name to the province, rises nearby, and the capital city of Quito is just 90km to the south, a journey that takes you over the equator and into the southern hemisphere.

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The problem is being caused by a continuing eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in southern Iceland, which is pumping volcanic ash high into the atmosphere.

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Another Thai survivor stuck on the "critical side" of the volcano awaits rescue, he said, because the steep slope and high elevation prevents a helicopter landing.

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Another Thai survivor stuck on the "critical side" of the volcano was awaiting rescue, he said, because the steep slope and high elevation prevents a helicopter landing.

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