Although the authorities maintain the orange alert in the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, after the earthquakes and the instability presented, the authorities responded to the doubts that could arise if the volcano passes from the orange alert to the red one.
The most recent report presented this Saturday by the Colombian Geological Service states that 800 earthquakes have been registered so far this day, decreasing the 3,400 registered on Good Friday.
Likewise, they reported that pulsatile ash emissions continue, which were confirmed through web cameras and inhabitants of the area. This without ignoring that “there was a report of thermal anomalies located in the Arenas crater.”
Also read: Trembling continues in the Nevado del Ruiz: ash emission decreased but the temperature increased in the crater
What would happen then if it goes to red level?
The Colombian Geological Service stated that the orange alert continues after the most recent reports, however they explained what would happen when it changes to red.
The entity said that turning red would mean that its eruption is imminent or is already in progress. Said detection would be given thanks to the monitoring equipment that is in the volcano, even if the weather conditions prevent it from being seen with the naked eye.
“Between the first reports that indicate an eruption and the confirmation of the event, between 10 and 15 minutes could pass, especially if the conditions are very adverse,” said the Geological Service.
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Once the eruption is confirmed, the protocol for the chain of calls to the National Risk and Disaster Management System will be activated. This procedure takes a couple of minutes.
The entity also explained that, although it is not possible to know precisely what a Ruiz eruption would be like, if it is greater than those of the last 10 years, pyroclastic flows, lahars or mudflows would mainly be expected They would affect the rivers that are born in this volcano, and there would be a greater fall of ash.
For the above, The message from the authorities is to take all prevention and risk reduction measures while the volcano continues at the Orange level of activity. Also, follow the instructions of the Risk Management Unit, Governors and Mayors.