The Puracé volcano in Colombia's Cauca department continues to emit ash, leading authorities to keep the alert level at yellow. This status indicates changes in volcanic activity without an imminent eruption. Residents in nearby areas, including Popayán, reported ash fall since May 7.
The Colombian Geological Service reported that ash emissions from the Puracé crater began on May 7 and continued through May 9. These emissions reached heights of up to 100 meters and were linked to seismic signals associated with internal fluid movements.
Jaime Raigosa, coordinator of the Popayán Volcanological and Seismological Observatory, noted that the phenomenon could last for hours or days. The service also detected carbon dioxide releases and localized thermal anomalies in the crater area.
Authorities advised the public to avoid the craters of Puracé, Curiquinga, and Piocollo due to risks from gas emissions, ash fall, and sudden activity changes. Monitoring remains ongoing with no indications of an approaching eruption.
