Country: Colombia Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Event development Update regarding the event’s development On 29 November 2025, the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) announced the change of the Puracé volcano activity level to Orange Alert, following evidence of a sudden and sustained increase in the volcano’s internal activity. This behavior was characterized by a significant rise in the energy and frequency of seismic events associated with fluid movement, as well as continuous gas and ash emissions reaching columns over 1, 000 meters high. In addition, the monitoring cameras installed in the area continuously recorded these manifestations, clearly evidencing a scenario of increasing instability and a much more active and complex internal dynamic within the volcanic system than usual. The phenomenon developed at the Puracé volcano, located approximately 27 kilometres southeast of Popayán, in the department of Cauca. In addition to activity observed at the crater, fine ashfall was reported in several areas of the territory, particularly in the Río Negro village (Paletará district), Mina de Azufre, Agua Hirviendo, the road to Totoró, and northern sectors of Popayán. These reports confirmed that the effects of the volcanic activity extended beyond the immediate surroundings of the volcano, affecting air quality and the daily dynamics of nearby rural and urban communities. Consequently, the Municipality of Puracé declared a state of public calamity in response to the increase in volcanic activity, triggering preparedness actions by emergency response agencies for the evacuation of families located in the highest-risk areas. The change to Orange Alert status for the Puracé volcano generated a direct and noticeable impact on the communities located within its area of influence. As the volcano’s internal activity increased, emissions of fine ash and volcanic gases began spreading towards populated areas, immediately affecting air quality and the daily routines of local families. Rural sectors such as the Río Negro village (Paletará district), as well as the areas known as Mina de Azufre, Agua Hirviendo, and the road to Totoró, reported ashfall and a strong sulfur odor, raising concern among residents due to respiratory impacts and the contamination of surface water sources. The impact also extended to the northern area of the city of Popayán, where the presence of airborne particles forced the population to adopt basic protective measures, such as covering water storage containers, reducing outdoor activities, and reinforcing the use of face masks. These atmospheric conditions, combined with the visible increase in gas and ash columns rising between 500 meters and up to 1. 7 kilometers above the crater, heightened the population’s perception of risk and created an environment of constant alert. After nearly two months under Orange Alert status, the Puracé volcano returned to a lower level of instability on 22 January 2026, as the parameters monitored by the SGC indicated a decrease in the probability of a large-magnitude eruption.
Colombia: Volcanic Eruption Imminent DREF Final Report (MDRCO033)
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