Colombia: Red alert in Nevado del Huila Volcano - OCHA Situation Report, 15 Apr 2008

1. Situation

According to the Volcanologic and Seismologic Observatory of Popayán last report, an eruptive process of the Nevado del Huila Volcano, located along the Andean mountain range in the departments of Cauca, Huila and Tolima, began on April 14 at 11:08 p.m. In consequence, Ingeominas declared a Red Alert Level I (imminent or ongoing eruption).

The increase in the volcanic activity was registered since April 13, when the orange alert was raised. In the same date, seismic activity was registered at a 2 Km distance from the volcano peak, after which the National Directorate for Disaster Prevention and Assistance (DPAD) alerted the authorities of the affected municipalities for the adoption of Contingency and Emergency Plans.

According to the DPAD, although the volcanic activity decreased during the following hours, the red alert and the evacuation order continue for the populations near the Simbolá and Paez Rivers, as the volcanic activity risk is now latent.

Today (April 15), members of Ingeominas staff and authorities of the municipality of Belaclázar flew over the volcano in order to verify its condition. However, due to the difficult weather conditions the flight was postponed.

2. Impact

According to Ingeominas, an increase in the water levels of the Simbola and Paez Rivers has not been reported and the seismic levels are now stable. However, the strong rains of the past hours have damaged the evacuation routes.

According to PAHO cases of respiratory diseases among the population have been reported. There is still no information about affected population or material damages.