[REVISION HISTORY]

Puracé volcano activity and earthquake in Colombia

Updated 15 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-03 22:04 UTC → 2026-09-14 02:15 UTC · added ~~removed~~

As of ~~early September~~ mid-September 2026, Colombia continues to manage a dual geological crisis involving the Puracé volcano and the aftermath of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck near San José del Palmar, Chocó, on 10 August. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, with President Abelardo de la Espriella reporting 181 official deaths and 2,595 injuries, while regional authorities suggested the death toll could reach 240. The Puracé volcano remains under an orange alert due to intensified volcanic dynamics. ~~By early~~ Between 1 and 3 September, the Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) ~~reported~~ recorded approximately 100 seismic ~~events between 1 and 3 September,~~ events, primarily associated with rock fracturing at depths of 6 to 11 kilometers. ~~While the maximum magnitude recorded during this period was 2.7 ML, continuous~~ Continuous tremor signals persist under the crater at depths of less than 2 kilometers, indicating the movement of volcanic fluids and gases. ~~Monitoring indicates ongoing ash emissions~~ Activity intensified between 12 and 13 September, when the SGC reported seven ash emissions. One notable emission on Sunday morning reached an ~~upward trend~~ altitude of approximately 1,200 meters above the crater, dispersing toward the northwest. Ashfall has been reported in the municipalities of Puracé and Popayán, specifically affecting the villages of Hato Viejo, Hispala, 20 de Julio, and the district of Coconuco. Monitoring indicates ongoing sulfur dioxide emissions, rising ground-measured carbon dioxide levels, ~~alongside continued sulfur dioxide emissions. Slow~~ and slow ground deformation ~~is also persisting~~ across the ~~area encompassing the~~ Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcanoes. Due to the risk of sudden gas and ash releases, as well as secondary mudflows in the Vinagre, Anambío, and San Francisco ~~rivers triggered by heavy rains,~~ rivers, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) ~~has advised~~ advises the public ~~and tourists~~ to ~~strictly~~ avoid ~~the area, specifically the~~ craters and ~~riverheads originating from the volcanoes.~~ riverheads. Residents in Totoró and Puracé remain under permanent surveillance.

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