Andina

Peru: New explosion recorded at Ubinas Volcano

14:14 | General Sanchez Cerro (Moquegua region), Jul. 22.

A strong explosion was registered at Ubinas Volcano —located in Peru's southern Sanchez Cerro province, Moquegua region— on Saturday morning.

It was accompanied by the release of ash and gases that reached a height of 3,300 meters, the National Volcanological Center of the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) has reported.

The detonation occurred at 07:25 a.m. (local time).

The ash and gas emitted by the volcano features a dispersion radius greater than 10 kilometers.

It is taken by the wind towards the northeast, east, and southeast, thus meaning the districts of Ubinas, Yunga, Lloque, Chojata, Matalaque, and populated centers, as well as ranches and grazing areas.

Recommendations

The National Civil Defense Institute (Indeci) recommended that the population stay away from the area where the event occurred. 

In case of exposure to ash, people must cover their nose, mouth, and eyes, in addition to keeping the doors and windows of homes closed.

They must also follow the indications from authorities and competent technical-scientific institutions.

Likewise, Indeci reminded citizens that ash can cause environmental problems and affect people's health.

Therefore, the institution recommended protecting the eyes by wearing glasses and facemask to avoid damage to the respiratory tract.

Lastly, it suggested that the competent authorities and institutions carry out a permanent assessment of the impact of ash on water, soil, air, and health.

(END) NDP/LZD/MVB

Published: 7/22/2023