He Colombian Geological Service (SGC) This Monday he raised the yellow alert after the Puracé volcanolocated in the southwest of the country, began emitting ash last Sunday and has increased its activity.
“Since the night of January 19 at 11:06 p.m., a ‘tremor’ type seismic signal has been continuously recorded, which showed an increase in size and is associated with an increase in internal pressure in the volcano.“, warned the SGC on January 20.
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Thus, the activity of fluids inside the conduits of the volcano has led to the emission of ash from this volcano, located in the department of Cauca, in the Puracé National Natural Park.
#ExtraordinaryBulletin During the night of January 19 and the early morning of January 20, 2025, an increase in the seismic activity of the Puracé volcano was recorded, which has already returned to previous levels. Here you can read more information⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dlGDnhjs9R
— Colombian Geological Service (@sgcol) January 20, 2025
The authorities have recommended to the populations of the high areas of Cristales, Coconuco, Puracé and Paletará that they wear masks and do not consume water without prior analysis.
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“In a state of Yellow alert, the volcano can present phenomena such as sporadic emissions of ash (minor eruptions), presence of some incandescences, small explosions in the crater, low-energy thermal anomalies, noises, felt earthquakes, odors, precipitation of elemental sulfur in vicinity of the crater“, recalled the SGC in a statement.
In addition to monitoring the situation, the Civil Aeronauticswhich announced the temporary suspension of air operations of the Guillermo León airport Valenciafrom Popayán, in the morning hours; However, around 2:30 pm it lifted the measure, resuming the operation of the air terminal.
The Puracé volcano is located 27 kilometers from the capital of Cauca, and mainly indigenous and peasant communities live in its area of influence.
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It is also one of the 15 cones that make up the Los Coconucos volcanic chain and “It is characterized by being a stratovolcano (a type of conical, high-altitude volcano, composed of multiple strata or layers of lava) one of the most active in the country.“, according to the SGC.
The last eruption of considerable magnitude of Puracé occurred in March 1977 and since 2021 it has been presenting gradual changes in its activity.
PORTFOLIO
*With information from EFE
