Volcanic ash from the Puracé volcano is affecting rural areas in the Cauca region: authorities have issued a yellow alert, but there is no imminent eruption.

News: The municipal government reiterated that the Los Coconucos volcanic chain remains on yellow alert. Residents of the rural area of Puracé have reported ashfall on crops and homes. Photo: Private 05/12/2026 10:04 Updated: 05/12/2026 10:04 The ashfall recorded in recent hours in areas near the Puracé volcano has raised concerns among residents of several communities in eastern Cauca, especially in various sectors of the rural area of the municipality of Puracé and its surroundings. According to citizen reports, ash was observed in various locations starting early Saturday, May 9th, including the Cristales and Puente Tierra districts, as well as in the municipal center of Puracé and even in Popayán. Experts believe that the ash is part of the expected volcanic activity. Photo: SGC Some residents shared videos showing a dense column of ash, which is easily mistaken for smoke. This phenomenon is within the range of yellow alert. In response to the situation, the Municipal Administration of Puracé and the Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) clarified that these emissions are part of the expected behavior within the yellow alert level maintained for the Los Coconucos volcanic chain. READ ALSO According to the SGC, in the last 72 hours, there has been an increase in volcanic activity, evidenced by ash emissions, the release of sulfur dioxide, and thermal anomalies associated with the internal movement of the volcanic system. Jaime Raigoza, coordinator of the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Popayán, explained that these emissions are related to episodes of continuous tremor, a seismic signal that indicates the movement of fluids inside the volcano and that can last for hours or even days. This phenomenon could extend for several days. Photo: Private Constant monitoring and current conditions The monitoring carried out by the observatory shows low levels of seismicity, although the continuous tremor persists, which showed a slight increase during the last night, without this representing a significant increase in the energy of the volcano. Also, through satellite monitoring, emissions of sulfur dioxide and localized thermal anomalies have been detected in the crater. The process of volcanic deformation reported in recent technical bulletins is also continuing. Authorities indicated that this type of phenomenon can last for several days, without necessarily implying an imminent eruption. READ ALSO Impacts and recommendations to the community The Municipality of Puracé reported that the ashfall has already caused damage to strawberry and potato crops, as well as to aquaculture projects in various sectors of the municipality. Mayor Jorge Andrade recommended that the population take preventive measures, such as wearing masks, avoiding the consumption of water contaminated with ash, and following the instructions of risk management agencies. For its part, the Colombian Geological Survey reiterated the importance of not approaching the upper areas of the volcano, especially the craters of Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga, and to stay informed through official channels. Authorities recommend that residents of nearby areas not go to the upper part of the volcano. Photo: Screenshot: @Sgc Call for calm Finally, authorities insisted that the Puracé volcano and the Los Coconucos volcanic chain remain on yellow alert, which indicates changes in volcanic activity, but without an imminent eruption. The Colombian Geological Survey assured that it is continuously monitoring the volcano and will promptly report any significant changes in its behavior, while the Municipal Administration called on the community to remain calm and to rely only on official information. Michel Francois Romoleroux Halaby Special for EL TIEMPO Popayán Follow all the information from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. BOLETINES EL TIEMPO Register for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed with what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWS Follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always updated with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPP Join the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up-to-date with the most relevant news at the moment. EL TIEMPO APP Stay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL Reliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.