Puracé volcano remains on orange alert amid ash emissions

The Puracé volcano in Colombia remains under an orange alert following significant volcanic activity. The Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) has reported multiple ash emissions, with the largest column reaching a height of 3,250 metres. Residents in nearby areas, including Coconuco and several rural hamlets, have reported ashfall and audible volcanic noises. Monitoring indicates sustained seismic signals associated with fluid movement within volcanic conduits, alongside high levels of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide emissions.

In addition to volcanic activity, emergency services are responding to environmental emergencies in the region. In Cumbal, Nariño, firefighters from Ipiales are working to contain a forest fire affecting natural vegetation. Meanwhile, in the locality of Volcán, Argentina, brigadiers are actively fighting a vegetation fire in the Cuna de Nubes sector near the Chilcayoc River to prevent further spread.

Authorities in Colombia are maintaining 24-hour surveillance on 25 active volcanoes. In the Puracé region, contingency protocols are in place to protect indigenous and rural communities from potential hazards such as lahars or pyroclastic flows.