Puracé volcano activity in Colombia

In late July 2026 the Colombian Geological Service reported a sharp rise in seismic energy, ash emissions and gas output from the Puracé volcano in the Cauca department. Ash plumes reached over 2 km in height, prompting the civil aviation authority to suspend operations at Popayán’s Guillermo León Valencia airport and impose temporary air‑space restrictions. The volcano was placed on a yellow alert and local officials advised residents to wear masks and avoid high‑altitude routes.

By 1 August 2026 the alert level was upgraded to orange after further increases in tremor, gas emissions and ash‑column height (up to 3.4 km). The mayor of Puracé declared a public emergency, citing damage to agriculture and tourism and the need to protect roughly 18 000 residents. Authorities began preparing temporary shelters, monitoring water sources and continued technical inspections, though no evacuations were ordered.