18 Apr 2023 | 07:04 AM UTC
Colombia: Increased seismic activity reported at Nevado del Ruiz volcano on the border of Tolima and Caldas departments as of early April 18 /update 2
Preventative evacuations ongoing at Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia as of early April 18 due to increased seismic activity.
Event
Increased seismic activity continues at Nevado del Ruiz volcano, located on the border between the Tolima and Caldas departments, as of early April 18. Authorities earlier April 5 issued voluntary evacuation orders for around 2,500 families as a precaution. At least 40 families in Villamaria Municipality in Caldas Department and 87 people in Tolima Department have evacuated, but many have refused to leave. The municipalities of Casabianca, Herveo, Murillo, and Villahermosa are likely to be evacuated over the coming days and weeks. Authorities have established evacuation routes for areas near the volcano, including Villamaria Municipality in Caldas Department and Casabianca, Herveo, Murillo, and Villahermosa in Tolima Department.
Tolima Department declared a public calamity April 3 to aid in the evacuation of at-risk residents. Villamaria Municipality, Caldas Department also declared a public calamity. Residents near the volcano should be aware of emergency routes and evacuation plans. Authorities have also closed the nearby National Park Los Nevados as a precaution.
The Colombian Geological Service (Servicio Geologico Colombiano, SGC) raised the alert level for the Nevado del Ruiz volcano to orange March 30. The orange alert level does not indicate an imminent eruption; however, an eruption is more likely. Authorities have observed thousands of seismic events daily since March 30, mainly under the Arenas Crater. Ash emissions and degassing are ongoing, with ash clouds of up to 1.1 km (0.7 miles) from the top of the crater. Prevailing winds dispersed the ash cloud northwest of the volcano.
Air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater following an explosive event. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.
Transport
Plan for possible transport disruptions in the surrounding area, especially if a significant eruptive event occurs. Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall, and visibility could be reduced. Officials might close roads near the volcano, depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace, including at La Nubla Airport (MZL) in Manizales. Authorities may temporarily close airport facilities if significant ashfall accumulations occur.
Advice
Confirm flights if a large eruption occurs. Plan for possible transportation disruptions if operating near the volcano in the coming days. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving; due to reduced visibility, drive cautiously in areas affected by ash. Carry facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area.
