Nevado del Ruiz volcano: Preparing for an eruption

06/06/2023



A Colombian Red Cross volunteer from Tolima district heads out to visit communities living close to Nevado del Ruiz volcano to warn them about the increase in volcanic activity and probable eruption.

Photo: Colombian Red Cross


The Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia is one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas and killed tens of thousands of people when it last erupted in the 1980s. As of May 1, the volcano has been especially active. Here’s what we know and what the IFRC network is doing to prepare for an eruption.

On 30 March, the Colombian Geological Service increased the alert level of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in central Colombia from yellow to orange, signifying a probable eruption in a matter of days or weeks.

While it is not possible to know exactly when or how a volcano will erupt, it is possible to monitor a volcano’s activity and take early action to minimize its potential impact on communities living nearby—which is exactly what IFRC network teams are doing right now.

Nevado del Ruiz is an explosive volcano. Its eruptions involve the fracturing of rock and rapid expulsion of gases and fluids—called ‘pyroclastic flows’—at high speeds and temperatures.

More:
https://www.ifrc.org/article/nevado-del-ruiz-volcano-preparing-eruption

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Horrible Today: (May 31 2023) Nevado del Ruiz volcano wakes up! lava hitting the building

2,163 views May 6, 2023 #nevado
Horrible Today: (May 7 2023) Nevado del Ruiz volcano wakes up! lava hitting the building

On May 4, the Colombian Geological Service raised the alert level for the volcano from yellow to orange. They warned that the volcano could erupt with a force not seen in the last 10 years in a matter of weeks or days. Colombian President Gustavo Petro on April 5 ordered the voluntary evacuation of some 2,500 families living near the volcano. Many local residents are unwilling to give up their possessions and livelihoods.