Activity Of Ubinas Volcano Prompts Peru Government To Declare State Of Emergency

The continuous volcanic activity of Ubinas prompted the Peruvian government to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the volcano.

The country's most active volcano, located in the Moquegua region, has been spewing ash and gas, which has traveled up to some 5,500 meters (1,800 feet) into the atmosphere, the Geophysical Institute of Peru said, according to a report by DW News.

About 2,000 people who live in the area are affected by the activity of the volcano.

State Of Emergency To Counter Volcanic Risk

By declaring a 60-day state of emergency, the government is authorized to take "exceptional measures and actions" to mitigate the risks associated with volcanic activity.

The declaration was approved in a cabinet meeting, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte wrote on Twitter on Thursday morning.

A total of 402 earthquakes associated with the volcano have been recorded between June 23 and 25.

During the said period, a plume of ash rose nearly 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above the peak of the volcano, Aljazeera reported.

No evacuation orders have been given yet by the local authorities, but the National Civil Defense Institute has posted some advice for the residents to follow, which includes the following:

• Prepare a family emergency plan.
• Check with the municipality or your community leaders if there is a hazard map of the volcano.
• Find out about the areas of greatest risk.
• Prepare your Backpack for Emergencies and make sure you have a mask and glasses to protect your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Coordinate with your authorities the shelter areas in case it is necessary to evacuate.
• Coordinate with your authorities the means of transport they will use to reach the safe areas or temporary shelter.
• Pay attention to the information provided by the authorities of your locality, INDECI and the technical-scientific entities in charge of monitoring the volcano.
• Organize with your community to establish a procedure for disseminating alert or alarm messages.

In the event of an eruptive process, the government recommends the following:

• Wear glasses and a mask, avoid going out and, if necessary, prepare for evacuation.
• Never approach the volcano.
• Stay away from the streams descending from the volcano, as hazardous material could descend.
• If you have had to evacuate, return only if the authorities indicate that it is safe to do so.
• Be careful with water consumption, as the fountains may have become contaminated.
• Protect animals in sheds and prevent them from consuming grasses and vegetation exposed to volcano ash.
• Stay hydrated to avoid poisoning from possible sulfur dioxide emissions. Make sure the water you use is safe.

Last Large Eruption

In 2019, Ubinas' eruption led to hundreds of residents being evacuated from the area. Records show that the volcano has recorded around 25 eruptions since 1550.

Peru is located in the "Pacific Ring of Fire", known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.