Colombian Authorities Issue Extraordinary Bulletin Following Seismic Swarm at Purace Volcano

The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) released an extraordinary bulletin after recording more than fifty earthquakes near the Purace Volcano in the southwestern department of Cauca. The intense seismic activity, peaking at a magnitude of 4.1 on Saturday evening, caused widespread concern in nearby municipalities, still recovering from the country's recent seismic catastrophes.

Despite the sudden surge in tremors, authorities kept the volcano's alert level at Orange. The seismic swarm started around 4:20 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, activating local emergency protocols across the Los Coconucos volcanic chain. Of the 58 recorded seismic events, the strongest hit at 6:18 p.m. with a magnitude of 4.1, felt strongly in Popayan and surrounding rural areas.

Cristian Santacoloma, coordinator of the Popayan Volcanological and Seismological Observatory, clarified to the public that these events are volcano-tectonic, caused by the fracturing of rock deep within the volcano due to internal pressure, not magma movement. Santacoloma assured the public that while this activity represents a significant release of energy, it doesn't necessarily signal an impending eruption.

With no alarming changes in gas emissions or ash fall detected, the SGC maintains the volcano on Orange Alert, indicating a probable eruption within days or weeks. Authorities recommend residents remain calm, avoid spreading rumors, and rely solely on official updates from the SGC and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management.

Tourists are strongly advised to stay away from high-altitude zones surrounding the Purace, Curiquinga, and Picollo volcanoes while the geological activity continues.