Puracé volcano changes to orange alert status: probability of eruption increases

According to the Colombian Geological Service, since April 29, there has been a sudden increase in the seismic activity of this volcano in the number of events and the energy released, both earthquakes associated with rock fracturing, and
those associated with the activity of fluids inside the volcano.

Read also: (Seismic events at the Puracé volcano continue: ‘A change in the alert status is not ruled out’)

The entity assures that the slow process of deformation that began in April 2022 continues to be recorded among the Puracé and Curiquinga volcanoes.

“An increase in the emission of gases continues to be observed through the lateral fumarole to the north of the crater rim and inside it, with high levels in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and in the flow of sulfur dioxide (SO2)”, the Geological Service announced in a statement.
​
The entity points out that for months the activity of the Puracé volcano has been gradually increasing, and has reached levels that are considered important, far above those that characterize a volcano in a state of Yellow alert.

“The seismic activity, the deformation recorded on the surface of the volcano, the physicochemical parameters in the waters, the characteristics of the gases and the temperature, have presented important changes. As of the date of writing this bulletin, volcanic activity continues to evolve at higher levels than previously recorded, and therefore the change in alert status is determined,” the bulletin explains.

The authorities announced that while the Orange alert status is maintained, it is possible that there may be temporary fluctuations in the activity levels of the volcano, that is, at some times its activity may decrease compared to previous days or weeks, but this will not occur. necessarily implies that the volcano has
returned to a state of stable activity.

Likewise, they explained that to return to a state of minor alert (Yellow) A reasonable amount of time is required in which all the monitored parameters are evaluated and trends that may indicate greater stability are determined.

“The community in general is recommended not to approach the crater area, since with the current level of activity of the Puracé volcano there is a great risk of being affected by gases or ash emissions that may occur suddenly,” they emphasized.

ENVIRONMENT EDITORIAL