Attachments
Description of the Event
Approximate date of impact
According to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), the alert level of the Puracé Volcano changed from Yellow Level (I) to Orange Level (II) on May 3, 2024, which represents a probable eruption in a matter of days or weeks, prompting local authorities to take preparedness, mitigation, and communication actions.
Provide any updates in the situation since the field report and explain what is expected to happen.
The alert status to ORANGE indicates that the monitored parameters show considerable variations or fluctuations (they may increase or decrease) and raise the probability of one or more major eruptions (those of great scope and height that can significantly affect the lives of people and animals, the ecosystem and infrastructure, bridges, buildings, roads, etc.). Seismicity increases considerably, in both earthquakes associated with the breaking and cracking of rocks inside the volcano, as well as those associated with the movement of fluids (gases, ash, magma, and water vapor) inside the volcano. There is an increase in the outflow of gases, with strong odors, often accompanied by volcanic ash, which may begin to come out more regularly, generating what are called minor eruptions (those with little scope and impact), some of which may expel blocks of rocks that could affect people, animals, or infrastructure living near the volcano. Strong explosions can be heard in the crater, and a significant increase in temperature can be observed at the bottom of the crater. Domes (protuberances or plugs) may be produced at the bottom of the crater and destroyed. Small avalanches (lahars) may be generated in the rivers that originate in the volcano. The Colombian Geological Service issues daily bulletins on the situation and status of the volcano. As of May 21, 2024, 21 bulletins have been issued, and the Orange alert status is maintained. In case there are changes in the behavior of the volcano that merit a change in the alert status, an extraordinary bulletin will be issued.
Orange level:
- Possible eruption in days or weeks with a moderate or high degree of danger
- Possible eruptive event (s) of explosive or effusive character, coupled with volcanic activity phenomena on yellow alert.
- Effects: Nasal irritation and discharge, throat irritation, and burning, sometimes accompanied by dry cough or respiratory distress, eye or skin irritation, indirect effects such as increased likelihood of traffic accidents, contamination of water sources, and risk of roof subsidence. Red level: - Erupting volcano or eruptive process in progress whose climax can occur in a matter of hours. - It is characterized by multi-causality. - Associated with pyroclasts falls, lava flows, ballistic projectiles, torrential floods, landslides, lahars, and forest fires. - Effects: Injuries; loss of life; loss of farm animals, wildlife, and livelihoods; loss of housing and community infrastructure; isolation of communities; loss of crops, harvests, and subsistence items for food security and income generation; water shortages; sanitation and hygiene systems affected; increase and proliferation of vectors; high risk due to chemical elements, as well as risks of accidents or incidents due to contamination by weapons (antipersonnel mines - APM, unexploded ordnance - UXO - and booby traps - ET); damage to infrastructure; the disappearance of people; and psychological impact on the region's inhabitants.
Map of areas affected by the emergency
The territories identified under the zone of influence of the Puracé volcano in the department of Cauca are: Puracé, Popayán, SotaráPaisbamba, Timbío, Rosas, El Tambo, La Sierra, Patía, Bolívar, Sucre, La Vega, Totoró; and in the department of Huila they are: San Agustín, Isnos, Saladoblanco and La Argentina. Thus, according to the Colombian Geological Service and Cauca branch, around 40,000 people live under the influence of the volcano and could be affected.
The Volcanic Hazard Map of Puracé Volcano (second version), is the graphic interpretation of the evaluation of the threat posed by this volcano, resulting from the study of past eruptive activity (geological and historical records).