22 Aug 2023 | 01:00 PM UTC
Peru: Increased volcanic activity continues at Ubinas Volcano in Moquegua Region as of Aug. 22 /update 4
Increased volcanic activity continues at Ubinas Volcano in Moquegua Region, Peru, as of Aug. 22. Ashfall dispersed to surrounding areas.
Event
Officials with the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) continue to observe increased levels of volcanic activity at the Ubinas Volcano in the Moquegua Region, located approximately 70 km (43 miles) east of Arequipa, as of Aug. 22. Eruptive activity has been ongoing at the volcano in recent months and new explosive eruptions were reported at the volcano Aug. 21. The first two eruptions occurred at 01:41 and 09:18 Aug. 21 and produced ash plumes up to 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above the crater. A third lesser eruption was reported at 12:53 Aug. 21. The IGP has reported ashfall being dispersed up to 50 km (31 miles) in northerly, northeasterly, northwesterly, and westerly directions, impacting parts of Ubinas District in Moquegua Region and San Juan de Tarucani District in Arequipa Region. Other areas that may be affected by ashfall include Chojata, Lloque, Matalque, and Yunga districts in Moquegua Region. Dozens of minor tremors have also been recorded at the volcano in recent days.
Authorities declared a 60-day state of emergency for seven districts in General Sanchez Cerro Province in Moquegua Region on July 5. The volcanic alert level at Ubinas was increased from yellow to orange (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) on July 2 due to the rise of magma, thermal anomalies, and ash emissions. Increased seismic activity has been reported at the volcano since mid-May, and the IGP previously raised the alert level to yellow on June 20. The IGP confirmed that a new eruptive process has begun at the volcano on June 22, and volcanologists confirmed a more explosive eruptive phase began on July 4.
People are warned to stay away from areas within a 4 km (2.5 miles) radius of the crater. Those in surrounding areas are advised to cover their noses and mouths with a mask and keep doors and windows closed if they are experiencing ashfall from the volcano.
Despite the increased volcanic activity, authorities have not issued any mandatory evacuations as of Aug. 22. Additional eruptions could cause low-level seismic activity and landslides in the vicinity of the volcano. The Ubinas Volcano will likely continue to emit frequent gas and ash clouds over the coming days.
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; authorities might temporarily close airport facilities at Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP) in Arequipa and other surrounding airports if significant ashfall accumulations occur.
Advice
Confirm flights if a large eruption occurs. Plan for possible transportation disruptions if operating near the Ubinas 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 masks or face coverings and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area.
