Colombia activates national crisis room as Puracé volcano raises to orange alert

Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) has activated the National Crisis Room in response to the volcano Puracé and the Los Coconucos volcanic chain in the Cauca department being raised to an orange alert. This measure is designed to bolster coordination between national, departmental, and municipal entities. The alert level change follows significant variations in the volcanic system's behavior reported by the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) since July 20.

The SGC noted a sustained increase in the volcanic system's activity, citing rises in seismic energy associated with volcanic tremor, which is caused by the movement of fluids, gases, and magma. Additionally, the SGC reported ash emissions, taller gas and ash columns, and ground deformation in the area encompassing the Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcanoes. These developments have led to intensified technical monitoring and activated coordination mechanisms to manage any changes.

Javier Pava, the Director General of UNGRD, confirmed the activation of the National Crisis Room, a mechanism for coordinating risk management actions across state levels. He emphasized that the orange alert requires all local, departmental, and national bodies to be on standby and to provide timely information to communities near the volcano. The National Disaster Management Council will assess the situation.