Location: Tolima, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindio, and Cundinamarca Departments
Event: This is an update to the Weather Alert published on May 26. The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that travel by U.S. government employees is no longer restricted within the 10km area surrounding the Volcan Nevado del Ruiz. On June 27, the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) reduced the activity alert level from orange/level 2 to yellow/level 3 for Nevado del Ruiz Volcano. However, the volcano remains active as do several other volcanos in Colombia. Travel is not recommended to any active volcano, as it could prove fatal. Please see the SGC government website for interactive maps of the high threat areas surrounding Colombia’s active volcanos: http://srvags.sgc.gov.co/JSViewer/Amenaza_volcanica_JS/.
According to the SGC, a yellow/level 3 alert means the volcano is currently active with changes in activity, but no indications of an imminent eruption. The SGC continues to advise that there is a possibility of an eruption and all travelers in the vicinity of the volcano should be prepared to respond in case of a major eruption. One of the biggest concerns if there is an eruption is potential land/mud slides. As a reminder, if the volcano erupts, volcanic ash may impact flight availability and airport operations.
More information can be found in the attached SGC bulletin, and on the following Colombian government website: https://www2.sgc.gov.co/Paginas/servicio-geologico-colombiano.aspx.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid the area.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Monitor the following Colombian government websites for updates: https://www.sgc.gov.co/ and https://portal.gestiondelriesgo.gov.co/.