Weather Alert: U.S. Embassy Bogota – Heightened Volcanic Activity (March 31, 2023)
Location: Tolima, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindio, and Cudinamara Departments
Event: The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that Colombia’s Geological Services (Servicio Geologico Colombiano, SGC) and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Unidad Nacional para la Gestion del Riesgo de Desastres, UNGRD) have issued a warning about the change in volcanic activity of Volcan Nevado del Ruiz, indicating that a major eruption is likely in the upcoming days to weeks.
The current alert level is 2-orange (on a scale of 4 to 1 and green to red, with level 1-red indicative of an active eruption). UNGRD has advised local government authorities to prepare and update evacuation plans and alert systems.
Nevado del Ruiz is one of the 25 active and monitored volcanoes in Colombia. In 1985, the eruption of Volcan Nevado del Ruiz ended in tragedy, killing 25,000 people.
Volcanic ash may impact flight availability and airport operations.
More information can be found (in Spanish only) on the following Colombian government websites: https://www.sgc.gov.co/ and https://portal.gestiondelriesgo.gov.co/.
Actions to Take:
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Avoid the area.
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Monitor local media for updates.
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Notify friends and family of your safety.
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Make contingency plans to leave the area.
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Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
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Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
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Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia
Tel. +57-1-275-2000 or 601-275-2000
acsbogota@state.gov
https://co.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Consular Agency, Barranquilla
conagencybarranquilla@state.gov
U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444
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