Tungurahua volcano south of Quito, Ecuador blows its top Thursday, covering surrounding Andean villages with ash.

BANOS, Ecuador (AP) -- Rescuers Friday searched for 30 people missing after the devastating explosion of a volcano killed at least one person, forced tens of thousands to flee and appeared poised for a new eruption.

Ecuador's Geophysics Institute urged residents and tourists who may be tempted to witness the spectacle to stay away from the 16,575-foot (5,023-meter) Tungurahua volcano in the nation's central Andes.

Night view of one of many explosive events at Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador, that occurred during the continuous extrusion of lava in the summit crater in November and December, 1999. In this time-lapse photograph, glowing lava fragments can be seen blasting into the air and falling onto the upper flanks of the volcano. When the hot fragments hit the ground, they typically continue rolling down the steep sides of the volcano, creating a glowing collar around the summit area.

Tungurahua is a steep-sided stratovolcano that towers 3 km above its northern base. Historical eruptions from the summit crater have included strong explosions and sometimes lava flows, lahars, and pyroclastic flows that reached populated areas at the volcano's base. The volcano's complex historical record includes sudden, violent eruptions. (Photo by Alcinoe Calahorrano on Nov. 2, 1999)