OCHA Situation Report No. 4
Galeras Volcano - Colombia
28 June 2006


This situation report is based on information provided by the office of
the UN Resident Coordinator in Colombia, the International Federation of
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) as well as from the
Colombian Red Cross.

Situation

1. Since 28 March 2006, the Colombian Institute of Geology and Mining
(INGEOMINAS) has maintained alert level II for the Galeras Volcano
(alert level II indicates a likelihood of an eruption in days or weeks).

2. The population living in at-risk areas totals 7,935 inhabitants,
principally located in three municipalities within the department of
Narino; Pasto, La Florida and Narino.

3. INGEOMINAS reported that between June 12th and 20th, the levels of
activity of the Galeras volcano remained relatively low. Activity was
characterized by events associated with interior fluid movements at
superficial levels. The institution added that there are acoustic levels
of activity, emission of gas (principally water vapor) and formation of
small ash columns, which can be observed from Pasto and towns around
Galeras. On June 12th, there were three ash emissions with heights of
between 500 m and 1,400 m, along with an emission of white gas at a
height of 200 m.

4. An aerial reconnaissance conducted on June 12th allowed for
confirmation that the lava dome continued to cool and close. In
addition, gas emission processes are low, and principally verified via
periphery dome sectors. On June 15th, a column of gray ash was observed,
reaching a height of 600m.

Impact

5. The Galeras crisis in now into its forth month and despite efforts of
the local government to encourage evacuation to safer areas an unknown
number of people are still living in at-risk areas. Non-confirmed
estimations are reporting that approximately 30-40% of the population
has not left their homes. The Colombian Red Cross (CRC) Narino Sectional
Office reported that on the night of June 22nd, the following population
was registered in shelters:




National and International Response

6. According to the General Direction of "Sistema de Attencion y
Prevencinon de Desastres" (DGPAD):

- There have been advances in the preparation of the overall strategy to
resettle the population living in at-risk areas.

- Approximately 200 requests for land purchases by persons interested in
definitive relocation have been made.

- Preparation of a survey on the socio-economic profile of vulnerable
populations in the area is ongoing.

- CRC continues to manage the 6 temporary shelters in the Pasto
Municipality.

7. IOM: is working on the construction of 450 temporary shelters in the
Plazuelas shelter (La Florida municipality).

8. PAHO/WHO: continues to provide technical assistance to Departmental
Committee for Emergency Prevention and Response (CREPAD).

9. OCHA is preparing scenarios to support Departmental Committee for
Emergency Prevention and Response, in coordination with the Inter-agency
team, the French Red Cross and the CRC.

10. UNETE continues coordination meetings between the UNS and Disasters
General Direction for Prevention and Response preparing a checklist of
recommendations to help the work of temporary shelters camp managers.

11. This Situation Report and information on ongoing emergencies is also
available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.


Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officer:
  Ms. Marie Spaak, E-mail: spaak@un.org, Direct Tel. +41-22-917 21 63

Press contact:
  GVA - Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, Direct Tel. + 41-22-917 2653
  NYC - Ms. Stephanie Bunker, Direct Tel. +1-917-367 51 26 / Mr. Brian
        Grogan, Direct Tel. +1-212-963 11 43

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