Pichincha volcano spewed a heavy coat of ash onto Quito Nov. 26, closing the airport for at least six days. Flights were being diverted to Latacunga, 56 miles south. It was another dose of bad news for the country which is facing an economic crisis. The economy is experiencing its biggest contraction since the 1920s and the currency has lost 60 percent of its value since January. Further, the province of Guayas, which includes the port of Guayaquil, has authorized a referendum on autonomy. A political crisis could follow the economic one.
