This is How Ecuador Takes Action on the Cotopaxi Volcano Emergency
This is How Ecuador Takes Action on the Cotopaxi Volcano Emergency
Translation posted 18 October 2015 19:50 GMT
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Cotopaxi seen from Ecuador's capital, Quito. Image from Flickr user Malcolm Surgenor, used under CC-license
(CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).
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This post was originally published by Juan Arellano on his blog “Globalizado”
Located 50km (31 miles) south of capital Quito, Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes with several known eruptions. The last of these eruptions was recorded 138 years ago. But on August 14th, 2015 the volcano experienced unusual seismic activity and shot a column of steam and ashes into the sky, followed by two explosions. Authorities have declared a yellow alert, which remains in place, as the activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.
The following video, uploaded by YouTube user Andes Climbing Ecuador, shows a plume of ashes and smoke coming out of the volcano on August 22nd:
Future volcanic eruptions pose a high risk to the local population living in the Cotopaxi, Napo and Pichincha provinces. It is estimated that 325,000 people live in settlements prone to fast-moving volcanic rock and mud slides imminent in the case a huge eruption does occur.
As Cotopaxi's volcanic activity remains high, specialists are dealing with three possible scenarios. The first: The eruption process continues for several months with minor explosions, with magma rising to the volcano’s interior reservoir and moderate explosions. The second: Violent explosions emitting large quantities of pyroclastic flow, melting the glaciers and causing avalanches. The third: The volcanic activity decreases. Options 2 and 3 are classified as the least likely to happen.
Faced with this situation, the Ecuadorian government has initiated outreach efforts through the National Risk Control Secretariat, such as “self-protection measures, evacuation routes, meeting points, lodging, and handling of animals” in areas surrounding the volcano, where they have also distributed protection materials like masks, goggles, and blankets. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture has distributed cattle feed to “mitigate the effect of ashes on animals.”
More:
https://globalvoices.org/2015/10/18/this-is-how-ecuador-takes-action-on-the-cotopaxi-volcano-emergency/
Science:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/122842929
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