The Puracé volcano, with an altitude of 4,640 meters above sea level, is one of the most active volcanoes in Colombia, with at least 51 eruptive events since the year 1400. Since last November 29, due to increased emissions and ash movements, the surrounding community is on alert and preparing a preventive evacuation of at least 800 people who live on the outskirts of the volcano, in houses scattered in the mountains.
A large part of the inhabitants live in the Puracé indigenous reserve, a territory belonging to the Coconuco indigenous people. For the Coconuco people, the volcano is sacred and represents a protective spirit of their territory.
Puracé does not have the infrastructure and logistics necessary for a complete evacuation, which is why authorities are working to establish temporary shelters, according to Mayor Humberto Molano Hoyos.
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