Colombia Raises Alert Level for Puracé Volcano to Orange Amid Increased Seismic Activity

Colombia's Puracé volcano, located in the southwestern department of Cauca, has had its alert level elevated from yellow to orange by the Colombian Geological Service (SGC). This change reflects a notable increase in seismic energy and rising temperatures in ash and gas emissions, including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide.

Nathalia Contreras, director of Geo-hazards at the SGC, stated, "From this moment, the alert level changes from yellow to orange. In the orange alert state, the possibility of a larger eruption than what we have been observing in recent weeks is now greater. Although we do not know if it will occur, we must be prepared."

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From this moment, the alert level changes from yellow to orange. In the orange alert state, the possibility of a larger eruption than what we have been observing in recent weeks is now greater. Although we do not know if it will occur, we must be prepared.

Data from the Popayán Volcanological and Seismological Observatory indicates a surge in the volcano's activity since July 20. Columns of gas and ash have reached up to 3,400 meters above the summit, marking the highest values recorded since monitoring began in 1993. This heightened activity has prompted warnings for local communities.

Jaime Raigosa, coordinator of the SGC's Popayán Observatory, urged residents, "We invite the communities not to approach the upper parts of the Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcanoes, as sudden emissions of gases and ash could occur at any moment, putting their lives at risk." The Puracé volcano last experienced a significant eruption in March 1977, though it has shown gradual changes in activity since 2021.

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We invite the communities not to approach the upper parts of the Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcanoes, as sudden emissions of gases and ash could occur at any moment, putting their lives at risk.