Puracé Volcano triggers alert and suspends flights in Popayán after 7.4 magnitude earthquake
On August 10, 2026, the partial eruption of Puracé, already on orange alert, covered Popayán’s runway with ash and gases, causing a temporary suspension of flights.
On the morning of August 10, 2026, a magnitude‑7.4 earthquake shook Colombia and, minutes later, a gray plume from Puracé volcano covered the runway of Guillermo León Valencia Airport in Popayán. The ash and gas emission forced authorities to temporarily suspend air operations.
Puracé ash and gases halt flights in Popayán
Located 27 kilometres from the Cauca capital, Puracé is one of the most active volcanoes in the Los Coconucos range and has been on orange alert since August 1. The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) recorded three ash emissions in less than 24 hours, with plumes reaching up to 300 metres above the crater, as well as significant increases in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the soil.
Civil aviation alert and restrictions
The Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) ordered the suspension of flights at Popayán airport, a measure that added to the closure of seven other air terminals in the western part of the country, also affected by the earthquake. After information was updated, operations resumed with restrictions, and the agency advised passengers to check flight status directly with airlines.
Impacts on local communities
In the rural districts of Cristales, Cobaló, Coconuco and in urban areas of Popayán, residents reported particulate fallout and reduced visibility, causing discomfort and hampering regional mobility. The SGC warned the public not to approach the craters of Puracé, Piocollo and Curiquinga volcanoes, keeping evacuation plans and emergency kits active.
Effects on agriculture and livestock
The buildup of ash and the dispersion of gases damaged crops, pastures and water sources in the rural area of the municipality of Puracé. Local authorities warned that contamination of water and agricultural inputs could affect livestock health and the productivity of farming families.
Institutional response and monitoring
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) coordinates assistance in Cauca and southwestern Colombia, while monitoring of Puracé continues at orange‑alert level. Despite the temporal coincidence, the commander of Popayán’s Fire Department, Francisco Arboleda, ruled out a causal link between the earthquake and the volcanic activity, classifying them as independent geological processes.
With information from El Colombiano.
Source: El Colombiano