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Colombian Indigenous People Embrace Sacred Volcano's Ash
14 Dec
Summary
- Local residents remain unafraid of Purace volcano's potential eruption.
- Indigenous Coconuco people view the volcano as a sacred, protective spirit.
- Authorities prepare for potential evacuation of 800 people near the volcano.
The Purace volcano in southwestern Colombia is showing increased seismic activity and emitting ash columns, prompting an alert for a likely eruption. However, many local residents, particularly those from the Coconuco Indigenous community, remain unfazed. They consider the volcano sacred and a spiritual protector of their territory, interpreting its emissions as a message to care for nature.
Authorities are preparing for a potential preventive evacuation of at least 800 people residing on the volcano's periphery. While some elders recall past eruptions, they express a deep-rooted connection to the volcano, stating they would only leave if poisonous gases were emitted. They also cite concerns about sustenance and livestock if forced to relocate.
