Authorities warn of a higher eruption risk after seismic activity and gas emissions reach record levels.
Colombia’s Geological Service (SGC) raised the alert level for the Puracé volcano from yellow to orange on Saturday after detecting an unprecedented surge in seismic activity and volcanic gas emissions, warning that the risk of a major eruption has increased.
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The alert was upgraded following a sharp rise in seismic energy and dramatic changes in gas and ash emissions, which the SGC said have reached their highest levels since official monitoring of the volcano began.
Nathalia Contreras, director of Geohazards at the SGC, said the new alert level reflects a greater likelihood of a major eruption than the smaller volcanic events recorded in recent weeks.
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Una publicación compartida por Servicio Geológico Colombiano (@serviciogeologicocolombiano)
Text Reads: As of today, August 1, 2026, the Puracé volcano – Los Coconucos volcanic chain – has changed its alert level from Yellow 
to Orange 
, following significant changes in the monitored parameters.
At the Orange alert level, the possibility of an eruption is now higher, but this does not mean it will occur.
Since July 20, a continuous increase in volcanic activity has been observed, reflected in increased seismic energy, gas and ash emissions, the temperature of the emissions, and persistent ground deformation.
We recommend staying away from the crater areas of the Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcanoes and staying informed only through the official channels of the Colombian Geological Survey and the authorities of the National Disaster Risk Management System. 
The Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) recommends closely monitoring the volcano’s activity through special bulletins and other information published on our official channels, as well as following instructions from local and regional authorities and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (@UNGRD).
Nathalia Contreras, Technical Director of Geohazards at the SGC, explains the technical reasons behind the change to Orange Alert and what this status means for communities.
Puracé, part of the Coconucos volcanic chain, is located in the southwestern department of Cauca, about 27 kilometers from the city of Popayán. Although its last significant eruption occurred in March 1977, the volcanic complex has shown gradual signs of reactivation since 2021.
“Although we do not know whether it will happen, we must be prepared,” Contreras said, urging nearby communities to take preventive measures.
According to the Popayán Volcanological and Seismological Observatory, volcanic activity has intensified since July 20. Scientists have observed dense columns of gas and ash rising up to 3,400 meters above the summit, accompanied by high concentrations of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide.
Jaime Raigosa, coordinator of the regional observatory, urged residents and visitors to avoid the upper areas of the Puracé, Piocollo and Curiquinga volcanoes, warning that sudden emissions of pyroclastic material and toxic gases pose a direct threat to life.
¿Qué significa el estado de alerta Naranja?
Consulta el boletín extraordinario: https://t.co/gSRjDKNtrM
— Servicio Geológico Colombiano (@sgcol) August 1, 2026
Text Reads: We recommend not approaching the crater areas of the Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcanoes and staying informed through the official channels of @sgcol and authorities such as @ungrd.
What does the Orange alert status mean?
In the Orange alert status, the possibility that the volcano will erupt now is greater, without this meaning that it is going to happen.
Saturday’s decision marks the third time since 2024 that Puracé has been placed under an orange alert. Authorities said they will maintain continuous monitoring while urging the public to remain calm and follow information issued through official channels.
The increased surveillance comes against the backdrop of Colombia’s deadliest natural disaster. On Nov. 13, 1985, the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano unleashed a lahar that wiped the town of Armero off the map, killing more than 23,000 of its approximately 25,000 inhabitants. The disaster remains a defining event in the country’s approach to volcanic risk monitoring and emergency preparedness.
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.