The Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) has raised the alert level for Volcán Puracé to orange following a surge in seismic activity [1].
This escalation signifies a high probability of eruption, requiring immediate coordination between geological experts and local government to protect thousands of residents in the department of Cauca. The move represents a significant shift in risk management for the region.
The SGC said the alert level was increased after detecting historic increases in seismicity [1]. According to the agency, the volcano has shown the highest level of seismic activity and gas emissions since 1993 [2]. Prior to this change, the volcano had been maintained at a yellow alert level [3].
Authorities report that more than 47,000 people are currently located within the threat zone [4]. The orange alert indicates that an eruption is likely, and the SGC said the population must follow all directions provided by authorities [5].
Local officials have urged residents to rely on official channels for information. "The authorities ask the population to stay informed through official sources and avoid the dissemination of rumors," local authorities said [6].
The SGC continues to monitor the emission of ash and gases as part of the ongoing risk assessment. The agency's monitoring systems are tracking the internal pressure and seismic patterns to determine the timing and scale of a potential eruption.
“The alert orange indicates a high probability of eruption”
The shift to an orange alert indicates that Volcán Puracé has moved from a state of unrest to a state of probable eruption. Because the current activity levels are the highest seen in over three decades, the Colombian government is treating this as a critical public safety event rather than a routine geological fluctuation, necessitating the potential evacuation of nearly 50,000 people.
