Monitoring of the Puracé activity is carried out by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, through the Colombian Geological Service (SGC).
Since April 29, there has been a sudden increase in the seismic activity of this volcano in the number of events and in the energy released, both from earthquakes associated with rock fracturing and those associated with the activity of fluids inside the volcano. volcano, which was reported in two extraordinary bulletins published on April 30 and May 2, 2024. Likewise, the slow deformation process that began in April 2022 between the Puracé and Curiquinga volcanoes continues to be recorded. An increase in gas emission continues to be observed through the lateral fumarole north of the crater rim and inside it, with high levels in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and in the flow of sulfur dioxide ( SO2).
As has been reported from time to time, for months the activity of the Puracé volcano has been gradually increasing, reaching levels that are considered important, far above those that characterize a volcano in a state of Yellow alert. The seismic activity, the deformation recorded on the surface of the volcano, the physicochemical parameters in the waters, the characteristics of the gases and the temperature have presented important changes. To date, May 3, 2024, volcanic activity continues to evolve at levels higher than those previously recorded, and therefore the change in alert status is determined.
While the Orange alert status is maintained, it is possible that there may be temporary fluctuations in the activity levels of the volcano, that is, at some times its activity may decrease compared to previous days or weeks, but this does not necessarily imply, that the volcano has returned to a state of stable activity. To return to a minor alert state (Yellow) a reasonable time is required in which all the monitored parameters are evaluated and trends that may indicate greater stability are determined.
The general community is recommended not to approach the crater area, since with the current level of activity of the Puracé volcano there is a great risk of being affected by gases or ash emissions that may occur suddenly.
In the state of alert Orange The volcano may present moderate to high increases in seismicity, which may be associated with fluid dynamics or rock fractures inside the volcano, considerable deformation of the surface, important changes in degassing levels (increase or decrease drastic in the frequency of emissions of SO2 or other magmatic gases), to the increase in the heights of the column of water vapor and gases. The superficial manifestations that some of these phenomena can generate are: frequent ash emissions (minor eruptions) whose volume does not significantly affect daily life, explosions or incandescence, significant thermal anomalies, noise, felt earthquakes, strong and irritating odors in areas near the volcano, precipitation of elemental sulfur in the vicinity of the volcanic building, significant release of magmatic gases that can cause the death of small animals that are close to the volcano and cracks in the ground. The rise and destruction of domes with a limited range of impact, ballistic projectiles, lahars with small volumes or pyroclastic density currents restricted to the proximal part of the volcanic edifice may also occur.
