The first evacuations began Monday in Colombia around the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, which has threatened to erupt for days. On the orders of the authorities, about 40 families have started to leave Villamaría.
Colombian authorities issued an “orange” alert, the last level before a “red” alert, and announced that a “possible eruption” was imminent. A rescue command and coordination center has been set up and President Gustavo Pedro held a security council on Monday dedicated to the potential outbreak.
Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia is remembered for the tragedy of Armero, where 25,000 people died in an avalanche of mud and ash caused by a volcanic eruption in November 1985.
Seismic and volcanic activity has “significantly increased” since March 24, officials said. They called on the people of the departments of Dolima, Caldas, Risaralta, Quinteo and Gundinamarca to “keep calm” and “be alert”.
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According to officials, nearly 57,000 people will be affected by the volcano, including 14,000 in urban areas. Fourteen municipalities are particularly at risk.
According to the governor of Caldas department, 2700 soldiers and police have already been mobilized and 25 public hospitals and 175 ambulances have been put on alert.
“Activity continues to be similar to recent days,” the Geological Service said, with “a slight decrease in the number of daily earthquakes” (nearly 5,000), while ash emissions were seen emanating from the crater. Entry into Nevados National Park is prohibited.
Nevado del Ruiz, which ends at 5321 meters above sea level, has been “under constant eruptive activity over the last ten years” with “minor events” and “mainly ash fall”, according to the geological service.
Located in the Central Cordillera and Pacific Ring of Fire, Nevado del Ruiz is one of Colombia’s 25 active volcanoes. It has been closely watched since the Armero disaster, the second deadliest volcanic eruption of the 20th century.
This article was published automatically. Sources: ats / afp
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