Image copyright AFP Image caption The volcano erupted after a number of earthquakes opened up fissures

The Sierra Negra volcano on the Galapagos island of Isabela is spewing fountains of lava and plumes of ash.

Fifty people have been evacuated from the surrounding area and tourists have been barred from visiting it.

The eruption started after two strong earthquakes opened up fissures in the 1,124m-high (3688ft) volcano.

It comes 11 days after the Cumbre volcano, the most active on the Galapagos, erupted on the uninhabited island of Fernandina.

The Sierra Negra volcano is located on the south-eastern tip of Isabela, the largest of the 18 main islands which make up the Galapagos Archipelago.

The Galapagos which are located about 1,000km (621 miles) off the coast of Ecuador are one of the most volcanically active regions in the world.

Sierra Negra last erupted in 2005. Night-time photos showed lava flowing down to the sea.

Image copyright AFP

Image copyright AFP

The Galapagos National Park authorities said tourists would not be allowed near the volcano or the area of El Cura, but said they were welcome to visit the rest of the island.

Thousands of tourists visit the Galapagos Islands every year, drawn by its unique biodiversity and its pristine environment.

The variety of wildlife on the island famously inspired Charles Darwin to conceive the theory of evolution.</s>Very unique and rare opportunity to have your own private island. Oldnor island is a 1500 acre (55 upland) private island that sits on the intracoastal waterway of Georgia. It is located between the two crown jewels of the Georgia coast which are the barrier islands of Saint Catherine's and Blackbeard Island. It consist of some of the most pristine saltmarsh left on the East Coast and it has its own private beach which is roughly 1 mile long. It is located in the DNR protected shellfish zone. There is in abundance of oysters,clams, shrimp, crab, etc.. It is also a vital feeding ground for a variety of endangered birds and other wildlife. A rare freshwater pond on the island. According to historical records and Aerial photography there may be evidence of early period settlement there.
Sierra Negra erupts on the island of Isabela, the largest island of the Galápagos archipelago. Authorities have arranged evacuations and banned tourists from the area.