La sustained ash emission from the Puracé volcanoThis activity, accompanied by a notable increase in internal earthquakes and gas emissions, has led Colombian authorities to activate all monitoring and preparedness mechanisms. Although the volcano's behavior does not imply an imminent eruption, it does place the area in a delicate situation requiring maximum attention.
El Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) have confirmed that the The alert level is at orange.This indicates a phase of readiness for a possible eruptive episode. This change is due to clear variations in monitoring parameters, especially regarding fluid dynamics, seismicity, and the ash plumes rising above the crater.
Ash emission and change to orange alert in Puracé
According to the latest statements from the SGC, There has been a noticeable increase in seismic activity linked to the movement of fluids inside the volcanoThese earthquakes are directly related to the release of gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere, forming columns of ash that repeatedly exceed 1.000 meters in height and are mainly dispersed towards the northwest.
The Popayán Volcanological and Seismological Observatory has detailed that Columns of steam, gas, and ash have been observed from several rural areas of the municipality of Puracé and from the town of Coconuco.In areas such as Cristales, Anambío, Alto Michabala and Chapío, the ashfall has been noticeable, affecting air quality and forcing the reinforcement of recommendations for personal protection and drinking water.
For technical bodies, This pattern of ash and gas emissions represents a significant alteration in the behavior of the volcanic system., which is part of the Los Coconucos chain. The change in alert level from yellow to orange has been based on the simultaneous increase in seismic energy, deformation of the volcanic edifice and greater vigor of the eruptive columns, all indicators of an instability that cannot be ignored.
The SGC has stressed on several occasions that The orange alert does not mean that the eruption will occur immediately.Rather, the probability of it occurring is now higher than in previous weeks. Therefore, a state of readiness has been activated, encompassing both the institutional response and the preparation of nearby communities.
Furthermore, experts have warned that It is expected that the volcano's activity will fluctuate.There may be days with fewer earthquakes or smaller ash plumes than others, but these fluctuations should not be interpreted as an automatic return to normal. Any shift back to a lower alert level would require a prolonged period of evaluation and clear trends of stability.
Associated risks: gases, ash and possible eruptive activity
Scientific authorities have insisted that, under the current scenario, Puracé can generate moderate to high levels of seismicity, frequent ash emissions, small eruptions, and rock ejection in the crater area.An increase in the deformation of the volcanic surface and in the intensity of the steam and gas plumes is also expected, raising the level of threat to those who approach the upper parts.
One of the most immediate risks is Exposure to volcanic gases and ash particlesThese emissions can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. For this reason, risk management agencies reiterate that it is not advisable to approach the crater or travel through unstable areas, as sudden emissions or increases in activity can occur without any visible warning to the public.
In addition to the health effects, Volcanic ash can affect crops, pastures, infrastructure, and bodies of water.The recommendation is to cover drinking water tanks, animal drinking troughs and rainwater collection systems to prevent contamination, as well as to protect sensitive equipment and properly clean surfaces where fine material accumulates.
In this context, the SGC has emphasized that Current emissions are part of a broader dynamic process of the volcanic systemwhich has been showing gradual changes for several years. The monitoring carried out by the monitoring stations allows for the identification of variations in near real time and the issuance of rapid alerts to the relevant authorities.
From the perspective of the public, the priority is that communities understand that the scenario can evolve rapidlyA sudden intensification of ash emissions or a sharp increase in seismicity could force the adoption of additional measures, including stricter access restrictions and, if necessary, preventive evacuations in specific sectors.
Self-protection measures and actions by the authorities
In response to the combination of earthquakes and ash emissions, the responsible institutions have issued a series of recommendations for residents and visitors in the Puracé area. The message is clear: Self-protection and verified information are key to reducing risk in such a changing environment.
Among the most insistent guidelines are Do not approach the crater or the high slopes of the volcanoDue to the potential impact of gases, rock fragments, and heavy ashfall, recreational travel to the volcanic area is discouraged while the orange alert level remains in effect, both for personal safety and to facilitate the work of monitoring and emergency teams.
For daily life, it is recommended Wear a mask or face covering, protect your eyes with appropriate goggles, and cover your skin. When there is visible ash in the air, families should protect drinking water sources, wells, and tanks with tarpaulins or covers, and remain attentive to any instructions regarding water and food storage in case it becomes necessary to stay home for an extended period.
At the institutional level, the UNGRD has urged municipalities, governorships, and local organizations to activate and strengthen their territorial response strategiesThis includes reviewing and disseminating evacuation routes, meeting points, temporary shelters, and emergency communication plans. It also considers the possibility of ordering preventive evacuations in the most vulnerable areas, always in coordination with risk management committees.
The technical bodies remind us that The only information that should be considered for decision-making is that issued by the SGC, the UNGRD and the competent authoritiesIt is not advisable to follow rumors or unverified messages circulating on social media, as they can generate unnecessary alarm or, conversely, lead to underestimating the real risk.
How is the Puracé volcano monitored and what is known about its recent history?
The Puracé is considered one of the most active volcanoes in Colombia It is part of the Los Coconucos volcanic chain in the Central mountain range. It is a stratovolcano, that is, a tall, conical edifice composed of successive layers of lava and pyroclastic materials, characterized by eruptive episodes that can combine explosions with relatively viscous lava flows.
Its morphology stands out a truncated cone with two concentric cratersIn addition to intense fumarolic activity both inside the main crater and on its northern flank, the volcano sits atop an older edifice on the edge of the Chagartón caldera, and its deposits are dominated by pyroclastic material and andesitic lava flows, typical of arc volcanoes in this Andean region.
The most significant eruptive activity recorded in recent times dates back to March 1977, when an eruption occurred that was considered considerable in terms of volume emitted and reachSince then, Puracé has maintained minor episodes, with increases in seismicity, gas emissions, ground deformation and small eruptions that have required close monitoring of its evolution.
Continuous monitoring was strengthened from the mid-eighties onwards and especially from 2007, when An instrumental network was established with dozens of stations and sensors dedicated to recording earthquakes, variations in deformation, changes in gas composition and flow, temperature, and other geophysical and geochemical parameters. Currently, the SGC has a large number of measurement points distributed around the volcanic edifice, allowing for virtually continuous monitoring.
Thanks to this infrastructure, Authorities can detect subtle variations in the volcano's internal behavior with greater advance notice than in past decades. This capability is key to issuing alert bulletins, adjusting risk levels, and coordinating with civil protection agencies the measures deemed necessary to safeguard the population.
Impact on nearby communities and lessons for risk management
The area of influence of Puracé extends mainly over indigenous and peasant communities of the department of CaucaMany of these communities have a close historical and cultural connection to the volcanic region. The hamlets and small rural villages located on the slopes and adjacent valleys are accustomed to living with fumaroles, hot springs, and other signs of geothermal activity, but the current orange alert level increases concerns and necessitates strengthening ties between institutions and the local population.
In the last weeks, The ashfall reported in various rural areas has affected daily activities, such as agriculture, livestock grazing, and travel.Some families have had to adapt their routines, better protect their crops, and dedicate more time to cleaning roofs and water tanks. At the same time, information sessions are being held on emergency plans and evacuation routes.
The Puracé case also serves to to reflect on the management of volcanic risk in other territories of the Andean region and the rest of the worldRobust early warning systems, well-maintained monitoring networks, and clear communication between scientists, authorities, and citizens are essential elements to reduce the impact of potential eruptions.
In the European context, where Volcanoes such as Etna, Vesuvius, or the Icelandic volcanoes have advanced monitoring systems.The Colombian experience reinforces the idea that community preparedness and education about geological hazards are as important as monitoring technology. Sharing methodologies, protocols, and best practices among countries with active volcanic activity helps improve the global response to such events.
While the orange alert remains in place, Colombian authorities continue to constantly monitor any changes in ash emissions, seismicity, and deformation of Puracé.Each data update becomes another piece in understanding the evolution of the system and adjusting actions on the ground.
The situation of the Puracé volcano illustrates how an increase in ash emissions, combined with earthquakes associated with fluid movement and sustained instability of the volcanic systemThis is enough to activate a complex network of scientific monitoring, risk management, and community organization. Although it is impossible to predict with certainty whether or not there will be an eruption in the short term, the coordinated response between institutions and the population, along with continuous instrumental monitoring, is proving to be the best tool for facing a changing scenario without falling into either unjustified alarm or overconfidence.
