The Cotopaxi volcano, in the Andean center of Ecuador, ejected a column of gases, water vapor and ash this Sunday at a height of 1.8 kilometers above the level of the crater, indicated the Geophysical Institute of the National Polytechnic School (IGEPN). .
According to the source, from 05:40 local time (10:40 in Lisbon), through the Cotopaxi surveillance cameras, it was possible to observe that the volcano registered a peak of activity, which could endanger the health of the habitants.
According to Ecuador’s National Service for Risk and Emergency Management (SNGRE), a slight ash fall from the volcano was recorded on Saturday in the cantons of Quito and Mejía.
The institution asked citizens to protect themselves from the ashes with a mask, glasses and clothing that covers the skin, in addition to avoiding outdoor activities. To avoid harmful effects on health, he asked the population of the area to wash fruits and vegetables well and that boxes or drinking water tanks be well closed.
The glacial summit of the Cotopaxi volcano woke up this Thursday partially covered in ash after strong emissions of particles and gases expelled from the crater, in the context of the increase in internal activity that has been registered for a month.
The volcano’s ash layer is concentrated on the eastern flank of the massif, as reported at the time by the Geophysical Institute based on surveillance cameras surrounding the volcano.
Cotopaxi’s activity has increased since the end of October, when it began to emit gases and water vapor, accompanied by ash.
The volcano, located in the Andes mountain range, about 45 kilometers southeast of Quito, is the second highest peak in Ecuador, with its 5,897 meters above sea level.
Ecuadorian geological institutes have frequently detected a hot spot in the crater since 2015. The volcano’s last reactivation was recorded on August 14 of that year, after having been relatively inactive for 138 years.
Source: TSF
