NewsThe Colombian Geological Service lowered the alert level due to a progressive decrease in seismicity. Puracé Volcano Photo: Social media.02.10.2026 09:44 Updated: 02.10.2026 09:44
After remaining on orange alert for eight weeks, the Puracé volcano and the Los Coconucos volcanic chain returned this Tuesday, September 29, to yellow alert, according to the assessment carried out by the Colombian Geological Service (SGC). The decision was adopted following the permanent monitoring conducted by the Popayán Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (OVSPO), whose records show a progressive decrease in several of the parameters that had evidenced a significant increase in the activity of the volcanic system since late July. Volcanic activity of Puracé. Photo:SGCThe change in level does not mean the volcano has ceased to be active. On the contrary, the SGC warned that Puracé continues to show manifestations typical of an active volcanic system, and that earthquakes, ash and gas emissions, as well as other phenomena perceptible in the populations located in its zone of influence, may persist. Seismic activity at the Puracé volcano. Photo:SGCCristian Santacoloma, coordinator of the OVSPO, explained that the decision to modify the alert status responds to a joint evaluation of different indicators."In recent weeks we have observed a decrease in seismicity, ash emissions, thermal anomalies, and some of the volcanic gases," said the official, who indicated that these changes allow identifying a trend toward greater stability of the system. Volcanic activity of Puracé. Photo:SGCLess ash and lower seismic activityAccording to the SGC, since September 15 ash emissions have decreased, both in frequency and in energy. Seismic activity associated with the movement of fluids inside the volcanic system has also decreased. This type of event had shown an increase since July 20 and was one of the parameters that caught the attention of specialists before the orange alert was declared. Added to these changes was a reduction in the thermal anomalies observed in the crater. During September, these showed low levels of energy compared to the records reached during the period of greatest activity. The behavior of volcanic gases was also taken into account. The SGC noted that no significant increases or abrupt variations in sulfur dioxide (\(\text{SO}_{2}\)) emissions were recorded. Likewise, carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_{2}\)) concentrations showed considerable decreases during the last weeks. The deformation of the volcano's surface also showed no additional changes and maintains rates similar to those recorded before the increase that led the system to orange alert.Why had Puracé been declared on orange alert?On August 1 of this year, the Colombian Geological Service changed Puracé's alert status from yellow to orange due to significant changes in its behavior, which had begun to become evident since July 20. Among the factors that led to that decision were the increase in seismic energy related to continuous tremor and ash emissions, in addition to earthquakes located less than one kilometer deep beneath the crater. During that period, the columns of gas and ash reached heights of up to 3,400 meters above the volcano's summit. The temperatures of the emissions were estimated at around 140 degrees Celsius. An increase in sulfur dioxide emissions was also recorded, with estimated values of up to 4,200 tons per day, while carbon dioxide concentrations measured in the soil reached 688 parts per million. Added to this was the persistence of ground deformation in the sector between the Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcanoes. According to the SGC, several of these parameters reached maximum values within the instrumental database available for the volcano, which evidenced a significant alteration of its behavior and technically supported the change to orange alert. An activity that generated effects in PopayánDuring the weeks of greatest activity, ash emissions had consequences even outside the volcano's immediate zone. On more than six occasions, preventive closures of the Guillermo León Valencia airport in Popayán were necessary due to the presence of particulate matter in the area of influence of the air terminal. Air operations were resumed uninterrupted since September 13, while monitoring of the volcano's conditions was maintained. During the orange alert period, the OVSPO also intensified monitoring and carried out outreach activities with the communities located in the zone of influence. In addition, it participated in the Unified Command Posts led by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, providing technical information to support the decisions of the authorities. Yellow alert does not mean the volcano is inactiveThe return to yellow alert implies that the current activity presents a lower intensity compared to the conditions that motivated the orange alert declaration. However, the SGC warns that earthquakes, ash emissions of limited reach, changes in degassing, low-energy thermal anomalies, and variations in the columns of vapor and gases may continue to occur. For this reason, the authorities insist that the change in alert should not be interpreted as the end of volcanic activity or as an elimination of risk. The entity will continue to permanently evaluate the different parameters. If relevant modifications occur in the behavior of the system, the alert status may change again according to the evolution of the activity and the technical evaluation. Mónica Arcila, interim technical director of Geo-hazards at the SGC, indicated that with the return to yellow alert, bulletins on Puracé will have a weekly and monthly periodicity, although extraordinary reports may be issued if any significant change occurs. The restriction on approaching the craters remains in placeOne of the main recommendations for residents and visitors is to avoid entering the high areas of the Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcanic edifices. The restriction remains in place because gas and ash emissions can pose a danger to people near the craters. The call from the authorities is also directed at the communities in the zone of influence, who must remain attentive to official reports and consult the information provided by the Colombian Geological Service, the mayor's offices, the departmental authorities, and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management. Puracé is located about 27 kilometers from Popayán and is part of the Los Coconucos volcanic chain, made up of 15 volcanic structures. It is a stratovolcano with predominantly explosive activity and has two craters. Its last eruption of considerable magnitude occurred in March 1977. Since 1827, several minor eruptions have also been documented that caused material damage and loss of life. MICHEL ROMOLEROUXSpecial for EL TIEMPOPopayán Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter.
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