Eruption at Purace volcano sends ash to 5.8 km (19 000 feet) a.s.l., ashfall reported in Coconuco and Purace, Colombia

The Washington VAAC confirmed the activity at 09:40 UTC with satellite data from GOES-16 and model analysis detecting the emissions.

The eruption was observed at 09:10 UTC with the ash cloud reaching 5.8 km (19 000 feet) above sea level, extending northwest from the summit at a speed of 18 km/h (11 mph). Forecast models predict the ash cloud will continue northwest for at least 6 hours before dissipating.

It was preceded by a continuous seismic tremor signal recorded since 04:06 UTC, associated with fluid movement within the volcano’s conduits.

Reports of ashfall have been received from residents of Puracé and Coconuco, who also reported sulfur odors in the area.

The volcano remains under Yellow Alert status and may continue to experience sporadic ash emissions (minor eruptions) with limited reach and impact. Ash dispersion depends on wind direction and may be accompanied by incandescence, small explosions in the crater, low-energy thermal anomalies, sounds, felt earthquakes, sulfur odors, and elemental sulfur precipitation.

The indigenous communities of Puracé Kokonuko issued a statement to residents of the region, urging them to take preventive measures to reduce risks associated with volcanic activity.

Recommended actions include wearing masks to protect the respiratory tract, properly storing water and food, cleaning roofs and drainage canals to prevent ash accumulation, and preparing an emergency backpack with basic supplies, important documents, and a flashlight.

Residents were also advised to stay indoors while ash emissions continue and to avoid drinking water from potentially contaminated natural sources. Indigenous authorities recommended identifying a safe location in case evacuation becomes necessary.

The last eruption at this volcano took place on November 16, 2023 ( VEI 1).

Puracé is part of the Northern Andean Volcanic Arc and stands at 4 650 m (15 256 feet) above sea level (a.s.l.). It is a stratovolcano with a 500 m (1 640 ft) wide summit and is located within the Cinturón Andino which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The volcano has a history of frequent explosive eruptions with major past events recorded in 1849, 1869, and 1885.

The Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Popayán (SGC) lowered the Alert Level to Yellow on July 5, 2024, following a period of increased seismicity that peaked between May 30 and June 6, 2024.

Puracé has experienced 27 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods with the most recent eruption occurring on November 16, 2023, classified as VEI 1. Previous eruptions include one on March 29, 2022, also classified as VEI 1.

Other notable eruptions occurred from March 19 to 28, 1977, with a VEI 2 classification, on July 2, 1957, also classified as VEI 2, and from May 26 to June 11, 1949, which was similarly VEI 2. An earlier eruption on May 25, 1885, was classified as VEI 3.

The largest recorded eruption at Puracé, in 1885, reached VEI 3, modifying the summit morphology.

References:

¹ Puracé volcano – Washington VAAC/NOAA – January 20, 2025

² Volcán Puracé emite cenizas y se mantiene en alerta amarilla – Proclama – January 20, 2025

³ Puracé – GVP – Accessed on January 20, 2025

Rishika Yadav

Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.

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