Volcanic activity has increased in Ecuador's "Throat of Fire" volcano, as fiery rocks lit up the sky on Thursday night.

Loud explosions shook the ground near the 16,500 feet volcano known as Tungurahua in the indigenous Quechua language, 81 miles southeast of Quito.

Hundreds of residents have been evacuated during the past week as officials recorded at least 135 explosions, including 15 long period events, as experts warn it could find a way to release its pent-up pressure.

Tungurahua has been classed as active since 1999 and had a strong eruption in 2008. It is one of eight active volcanoes in the country.