He Colombian Geological Survey reported the alert change from yellow to orange Puracé volcano in Caucaa situation for which relief agencies in this department are preparing for an eventual eruption.
According to the geological service, the orange alert is derived from changes in seismicity, soil deformation and in the type of gases and fluids that the volcano currently emits. “This means that the probability of an eruption is considerable but not imminent.”
Given the situationthe Cauca authorities reacted.
The director of the Advisory Office for Risk Management of Cauca, Wisner Cortés, stated that the monitoring, response and verification networks were strengthened.
“We want to give some peace of mind and inform you that we are monitoring the situation closely. We invite the population to follow the guidelines of local authorities,” said Cortés.
Meanwhile, Jorge Andrade, mayor of Puracé, the area of influence of the volcano, stated that the situation is constantly monitored by a national risk management committee.
“Besides, In coordination with our indigenous councils of Puracé, Paletará and Coconuco we have been coordinating monitoring actionsas well as with the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Geological Service to monitor the Volcano,” said the president.
In Popayán, a city that is among the localities that could be affected by a possible eruption of the Puracé volcano, measures are also being taken.
The commander of the white city firefighters, Lieutenant Francisco Arboleda, reported that they are preparing all operational and human capacity to have response actions prepared.
In addition, The commander recommended that the population obtain information through the official channels of the Colombian Geological Service and risk management authorities, and not panic.
In the next few hours, the authorities will have a new meeting to take measures to avoid a tragedy in the event that the Puracé volcano erupts.
