The Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) raised the alert level for the Purace volcano to orange on Aug. 1 [2].
The elevation in alert status indicates a higher probability of an eruption, placing authorities and residents in the Cauca department on high alert. Because the volcano is part of the Los Coconucos volcanic chain, any significant event could impact the surrounding regional environment.
Experts said there was a significant increase in seismic activity, specifically a swarm of 58 earthquakes [1]. This seismic surge, combined with increased gas emissions, suggests higher magmatic pressure beneath the surface [2, 3].
Purace has a history of sporadic activity. Since 1827, the volcano has experienced at least 14 minor eruptions [4]. However, the last major eruption occurred in 1977 [4].
While some reports suggest this represents the highest probability of eruption in the volcano's history [5], other geological reports focus on the current risk increase without claiming a historical record. The SGC continues to monitor the site to determine if the activity will stabilize or lead to a volcanic event.
Local authorities are coordinating with volcanologists to manage the risk in the Cauca region. The orange alert level signifies that the volcano is in a state of instability, though an eruption is not necessarily imminent.
“The Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) raised the alert level for the Purace volcano to orange on Aug. 1.”
The transition to an orange alert reflects a shift from monitoring baseline activity to preparing for a potential event. While Purace has a history of minor eruptions, the combination of a seismic swarm and gas emissions indicates that magma is moving or accumulating, which increases the physical risk to the Cauca department.
