Colombia's Puracé volcano erupts ash and gases, forcing Popayán airport closure amid earthquake aftermath

The Puracé volcano in southwestern Colombia registered an emission of ash and volcanic gases on Monday, coinciding with a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook the country. The volcano, located in the Cauca department, has been on orange alert for potential eruption since late last month.

The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) reported that the volcano's seismic energy is trending upward. This increase is accompanied by higher temperatures in its ash emissions and a greater release of gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. The SGC clarified that the volcanic activity and the earthquake, which had its epicenter in the Chocó department, are independent events.

In response to the operational risks posed by volcanic particles in the air, Colombia's Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) ordered the temporary suspension of activities at the Guillermo León Valencia Airport in Popayán. Popayán, the departmental capital, is situated approximately 27 kilometers from the volcano. This measure aims to safeguard air navigation safety in the region.

The airport closure exacerbates connectivity issues in Colombia, which is already grappling with the aftermath of the earthquake. Seven other airports suffered damage to their facilities from the seismic event, including those in Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura. Puracé, which last had a major eruption in March 1977, has shown gradual changes in its seismic and thermal behavior since 2021.