El The Puracé volcano, in the department of Cauca (Colombia), has officially moved to an orange alert status After registering a sustained increase in several of its monitoring parameters, scientific and risk management authorities have reinforced monitoring and begun to implement preventive measures to reduce the impact on the population living in its area of influence.
This new phase implies that The probability of an eruption has increasedAlthough experts insist that it is not an imminent event, the unstable behavior of the volcanic system, with more earthquakes, strong gas emissions, and ash columns exceeding one kilometer in height, has raised alarms in nearby villages and surrounding municipalities.
Why did Puracé move to orange alert?
The Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) reported that The change in alert level from yellow to orange occurred after detecting significant and persistent variations in the volcano's internal activity.Among the most worrying indicators is the increase in seismicity, with events associated with both rock fracturing and fluid movement inside the volcanic edifice.
In addition, monitoring systems have identified a noticeable increase in the emission of gases and ashwith plumes exceeding 1.000 meters in height. These plumes have been observed mainly over several rural areas of the municipality of Puracé—Cristales, Anambío, Alto Michabala and Chapío—and over the municipal seat of Coconuco, generating a fall of fine particles on roofs, crops and water sources.
Specialists have also recorded signs of Deformation on the surface of the volcano, an indication of increasing internal pressureThis type of change is usually interpreted as a warning that the magmatic system is in a dynamic phase, likely to produce eruptive episodes of varying magnitude if the trend continues or intensifies.
According to the SGC, the Accumulated internal pressure has forced the level of surveillance to be raised to a critical point.In this situation, it is essential to maintain continuous monitoring of all parameters: seismicity, deformation, gas emissions, and surface behavior. Any sudden change could lead to new phases of instability.
The technical entity clarified that during the time the orange alert remains in effect, frequent fluctuations in activityIn other words, there may be days or weeks when the readings are lower than at other times, but this does not mean that the volcano has returned to a stable state or that the alert level can be lowered immediately.
Possible scenarios of volcanic activity
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) detailed the likely scenarios while Puracé remains at orange levelFirstly, the maintenance of moderate to high seismicity is considered, linked both to the fracturing of internal materials and to the displacement of fluids —water, gases and magma— through the interior of the system.
Another scenario considered is the sudden increase in steam and gas columnsThese plumes could become denser, hotter, and emit strong odors, perceptible even several kilometers from the crater. This behavior would be accompanied by frequent ash emissions, capable of affecting visibility, mobility, infrastructure, and various economic activities.
Experts do not rule out the appearance of minor explosions and pulses of incandescence visible during the nightThis is common in active volcanoes during periods of unrest. These pulses could be associated with the expulsion of incandescent material near the crater, increasing the risk to anyone in unauthorized or difficult-to-access areas.
The worst-case scenario considered includes the possible generation of lahars, that is, flows of water, mud and volcanic material that descend the slopes. These flows can be activated without warning, especially if heavy rains coincide with the presence of ash and loose fragments on the slopes, and represent a direct danger to homes, roads and bridges located in the ravines.
It is also contemplated the ejection of blocks and rocks of different sizes in the vicinity of the craterThis phenomenon, although usually confined to relatively nearby areas, can be lethal for people or animals that remain in the high-risk zone. For this reason, authorities insist that no one should travel or carry out any productive or tourist activities in restricted areas.
Activation of the Crisis Room and institutional response
Following the alert level update, The UNGRD activated the National Crisis Room The objective is to coordinate actions in real time between the central government, the departmental authorities of Cauca, and the municipal administrations surrounding Puracé. This space functions as a command center to coordinate the technical, operational, and humanitarian response.
Among the measures already underway is the strengthening of scientific monitoring of the volcano, the review of existing contingency plans and the updating of threat maps, with special attention to evacuation routes and meeting points previously defined by local risk management committees.
Authorities confirmed the orange alert It does not mean an imminent eruption.However, it does require a much stricter level of monitoring and greater preparedness from communities. The National Disaster Risk Management System (SNGRD) has entered a phase of readiness and pre-positioning, which means having resources, personnel, and logistics in place to act quickly if the situation evolves.
The UNGRD announced the sending a technical commission to the territory to support the ongoing monitoring of volcanic activity and advise local authorities in their decision-making. This team works closely with the Colombian Geological Survey, which maintains 24-hour instrumental monitoring.
The Extraordinary Committee for Disaster Management has made a A direct appeal to the public to follow official recommendations in case of emergencyCoordination between institutions and citizens is key to ensuring that prevention and response measures are truly effective.
Evacuation in the high threat zone
In parallel, the UNGRD's Extraordinary Disaster Management Committee has recommended the immediate evacuation of the so-called Zone 1This area, classified as a high-risk zone in the Puracé region, is currently home to approximately 70 people, whose relocation must be formally ordered by the Puracé Mayor's Office in the exercise of its territorial autonomy.
This recommendation is based on the increased instability of the volcanic systemThis is evidenced by recurring earthquakes, increased gas and ash emissions, and signs of internal pressure. Remaining in this area significantly increases the risk to life and property for residents, especially in the event of lahars or sudden explosions.
Local authorities, with the support of the UNGRD and the departmental and municipal risk management councils, must organize preventive evacuations, guarantee transportation for families, and provide safe places to stayIn addition, education on exit routes, meeting points, and basic self-protection rules is reinforced.
In this context, the official message emphasizes that Approaching the crater or unstable areas is strongly discouraged.This applies to both local residents and visitors or tourists. Access to the upper reaches of Puracé has been restricted precisely to minimize exposure to toxic gases, ashfall, and potential projectiles.
The operational bodies and the rest of the entities of the SNGRD are located in logistical readiness and pre-positioning phaseThis includes preparing response teams, ensuring the availability of temporary shelters, and planning for possible additional evacuations if conditions require it.
Key recommendations for the population near Puracé
The Colombian Geological Survey and the UNGRD have shared a series of priority recommendations for those living in the areas influenced by the volcanoThe first and most important rule is to stay away from the crater and areas officially classified as high threat, even if activity seems to decrease at any given time.
In case of ashfall, it is advised Wear face masks or coverings, protect your eyes and skin and minimize outdoor exposure, especially for people with respiratory problems, children, and the elderly. It is also essential to properly cover water tanks and reservoirs to prevent contamination from volcanic particles.
Authorities insist that the population must Stay informed exclusively through official channelssuch as SGC bulletins, UNGRD statements, and instructions from municipalities and governorships. Circulating rumors or unverified information only creates confusion and can hinder emergency response efforts.
It is also recommended that each family have a emergency kit preparedPack drinking water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, basic medications, important documents, and hygiene items. Having these supplies on hand allows for a faster response in the event of an evacuation.
The general guidelines also include the need to follow municipal risk management plansParticipate in drills when they are called and familiarize yourself in advance with evacuation routes and meeting points established by the authorities. Anticipation and preparation are key to reducing the impact of any eruptive event.
What is needed to return to yellow alert?
The SGC has explained that, for To return from the orange level to the yellow level, a prudent period of observation is necessary. in which all monitored parameters are evaluated in detail. It is not enough for activity to decrease for a few days; clear trends pointing to reliable stability of the volcanic system must be identified.
During that time, the technical teams will continue analyzing seismicity, ground deformation, the composition and volume of emitted gases, and the behavior of ash columnsOnly if these indicators show a sustained and consistent reduction will the possibility of lowering the alert level be considered.
Meanwhile, the orange status implies that Preventive measures cannot be relaxedAny sudden change, whether an increase or decrease in activity, should be interpreted with caution and in light of the comprehensive analysis carried out by scientists.
For communities, this translates into the obligation to Maintain self-protection measures and follow the instructions of the authoritiesEven if surface activity seems to "calm down" for a few days, experience with other volcanoes shows that phases of apparent calm can be part of a longer and more complex process.
The move of Puracé to orange alert has triggered a broad surveillance and prevention operation involving scientific institutions, risk management authorities and local communities. The main objective is to minimize exposure to danger., reinforcing the continuous monitoring of the volcano and promoting responsible behavior among the population while maintaining clear, official and permanent communication about the evolution of volcanic activity.