The seismic activity of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano has increased

The Nevado del Ruiz volcano, whose eruption in 1985 caused the greatest natural tragedy in Colombia, with more than 23,000 dead in the city Armourerthere has been an increase in seismic activity, the Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) reported this Monday.

According to the SGC, since Sunday, “seismic enhancement associated with rock-breaking activity has been recorded in the eastern sector of the volcano, approximately 5 kilometers from the Arenas crater.”

The information explained that although the increase in numbers was low earthquakes, Some of them were felt by the residents of La Cabaña and the canyon of the Lagunilla River, in the department of Tolima.

El Ruiz, with an altitude of sea ​​level of 5,364 meters and which is part of the Nevados National Nature Park, is located on the borders of the Colombian departments of Tolima and Caldas.

The agency added that since Sunday afternoon, the recording of seismicity associated with the activity of the lava dome (protrusion or mound) located at the bottom of the crater began.

“The earthquakes were of low to moderate energy levels and were associated with rock fracturing and fluid dynamics,” the information said.

The SGC reminded that although all these changes in the activity of the volcano are considered within the yellow alert state and are evidence of its variable and unstable behavior, “it is important not to normalize them”.

Although this state of readiness due to volcanic activity indicates that the volcano represents less instability and, consequently, the probability of a significant eruption is lower, it can be quickly destabilized at any time.

This would lead to a change to an orange or even red alert state, the Geological Survey warned.

About 20 towns in Caldas and Tolima are located in the area of ​​influence of the volcano.