BOGOTA—Colombian authorities have raised the alert level for the deadly Nevado del Ruiz volcano to orange, suggesting a greater probability of an eruption in the coming days or weeks, due to an increase in seismic activity.
A significant increase in seismic activity associated with rock fracturing within the volcanic edifice has been registered since March 24, the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) said in a statement late on Thursday.
The Nevado del Ruiz is a stratovolcano, or composite volcano, which straddles the border between Colombia’s Tolima and Caldas provinces.
“We have an orange alert due to the change in seismology at the Ruiz volcano. Mayors must prepare the protocols for this state of alert,” President Gustavo Petro said in a Twitter message on Friday….