Eyes are still on Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia, where the volcano has been showing increasing signs of an impending eruption over the last month. Last week, the Colombian Geological Survey (INGEOMINAS) Manizalez Volcano Observatory placed the volcano on Orange Alert status, which means they expect an eruption in days to weeks. Over the weekend, there was some confusing news about whether the volcano was moved to Red Alert status (eruption in 24-48 hours), however, it looks like Ruiz was moved to Red Alert by the Colombian Meteorological Office (IDEAM) based on the threat of potential lahar generation. However, INGEOMINAS has kept the volcanic alert status at Orange. This is one of the ways that disseminating public information about the state of activity at a volcano can be problematic - if multiple government agencies can declare different alerts with the same color/number scheme, then confusion can easily arise about what the threat might be. The current statuse at Ruiz tells us two things:
The INGEOMINAS Orange Alert warns of an eruption in days to weeks, based elevated seismicity beneath the volcano (at depths of 0.5-2.5 km). There are still elevated gas emissions and a steam plume that looks to reach ~1.5 km above the volcano. However, Gloria Cortes from the Manizalez Volcano Observatory was also quoted as saying that the "possibility that the volcano erupt is as likely as the idea that the activity ceases."
The IDEAM Red Alert is for potential lahars generated by either volcanic activity or high levels of precipitation. This alert is for the river close to Nevado del Ruiz. Since the first statement on the Red Alert over the weekend, IDEAM has lowered the alert in the Nevado del Ruiz area back to Orange.
In some other developments in Colombia, the Air Force said they have aircraft and helicopters on constant alert in case an eruption occurs in order to evacuate all personnel for bases in the region. The state of Caldas has held a number of drills to get the populace ready for potential activity and evacuations. Remember, you can watch (conditions permitting) Ruiz on one of two webcams or check out the webicorder for the earthquakes in the area.
