The renewed activity came after the volcano experienced one of its biggest eruptions Friday. It forced the evacuation of at least seven villages and closing the airport and schools in Guayaquil, the country's largest and most populated city.

"The volcano's seismic activity is very high and is maintaining an upward trend," the Geophysical Institute said in a statement.

In addition to powerful explosions like "strong cannon blasts," the 5,029-meter high (16,500-foot) volcano was shooting out rocks from its crater and blobs of incandenscent material were rolling down the sides.

The institute said fine ash was falling on the village of Penipe, located on the slopes of the volcano.

Local officials said the increased activity prompted some local villages to begin evacuating before receiving any official instructions.

Last week's explosions forced the evacuation of about 2,500 people. Its biggest eruption, in August 2006, killed six people and destroyed hundreds of homes.

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