Scientists suggest Ecuador and Colombia carry out a joint drill for a possible volcanic eruption

MADRID, 27 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Geophysical Institute (IG) of Ecuador has suggested this Tuesday to the authorities of Ecuador and Colombia to carry out a binational drill due to the possibility of a volcanic eruption on the Andean border of both countries.

In a special report published this Tuesday, the IG has detailed that since May 27 the area of ​​the Chiles and Ceero Negro Volcanic Complex, on the border of Ecuador and Colombia, has registered an increase in seismic activity, which could be due to the fact that a magmatic source is closer to the earth's surface.

"From May 27 to the closing date of this bulletin, around 17,738 earthquakes were located. Until July 23, the seismic sources are concentrated below the summit of the Chiles volcano and about 3.5 kilometers to the south of it , with depths from four to two kilometers above sea level," says the report released by the Ecuadorian Geophysical Institute.

In addition, IG has pointed out an increase in the deformation of the earth in the area, an increase in the occurrence of earthquakes associated with rock fracturing, as well as physical-chemical changes in thermal springs: gaseous emissions, high temperatures and morphological changes.

For this reason, they have highlighted the possibility that the increase in seismic activity progresses towards an eruptive process that evolves into magmatic activity. In addition, they have stressed that a greater number of earthquakes can generate instability on slopes, landslides, as well as structural damage to buildings.

"The population is recommended to stay informed only through official channels and to be aware of the evolution of the activity of the Chiles-Cerro Negro Volcanic Complex (CVCCN) (...) To the competent authorities, consider the possibility of a binational drill by volcanic eruption as a preparatory measure," the IG urged in the statement.

Likewise, it has recommended the civil protection authorities and risk management administration to "take into consideration the cartographic information corresponding to the associated volcanic hazards or threats", and to review vulnerable buildings in the event of the possibility of new earthquakes of greater magnitude. magnitude.