The country’s seismology and volcanology institute said Saturday that hot lava is spilling from the crater and flowing toward a ravine.

Constant rumblings from the volcano sounded like an engine, and columns of gray ash were shooting 4,600 meters (15,091 feet) into the air. Authorities asked nearby residents to evacuate and be alert for possible lahars - flows of mud, debris, water and pyroclastic material - that could be fed by afternoon rains.