OCHA Situation Report
Colombia: Volcano
15 April 2008


Source:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

1. Situation

According to the Volcanologic and Seismologic Observatory of Popayan last
report, an eruptive process of the Nevado del Huila Volcano, located along
the Andean mountain range in the departments of Cauca, Huila and Tolima,
began on April 14 at 11:08 p.m. In consequence, Ingeominas declared a Red
Alert Level I (imminent or ongoing eruption).

The increase in the volcanic activity was registered since April 13, when
the orange alert was raised. In the same date, seismic activity was
registered at a 2 Km distance from the volcano peak, after which the
National Directorate for Disaster Prevention and Assistance (DPAD) alerted
the authorities of the affected municipalities for the adoption of
Contingency and Emergency Plans.

According to the DPAD, although the volcanic activity decreased during the
following hours, the red alert and the evacuation order continue for the
populations near the Simbole and Paez Rivers, as the volcanic activity
risk is now latent.

Today (April 15), members of Ingeominas staff and authorities of the
municipality of Belaclezar flew over the volcano in order to verify its
condition. However, due to the difficult weather conditions the flight was
postponed.

2. Impact

According to Ingeominas, an increase in the water levels of the Simbola
and Paez Rivers has not been reported and the seismic levels are now
stable. However, the strong rains of the past hours have damaged the
evacuation routes.

According to PAHO cases of respiratory diseases among the population have
been reported. There is still no information about affected population or
material damages.


     Department   Municipality

     Cauca        Miranda
                  Toribio
                  Inza
                  Paez

     Huila        Iquira
                  Santa Maria
                  Palermo
                  Teruel
                  Nataga
                  Paicol
                  La Plata

     Tolima       Rioblanco
                  Planadas


Attachments:
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/retrieveattachments?openagent&docid=63695531DF2906694925742D000728B0&file=Full_Report.pdf

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