On 14 July, the Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador became active after seven dormant years. A cloud of ash, gas and molten rock rose up to 15 kilometres, prompting the government to issue a red alert and evacuate some 3,500 people living in the high-risk areas.
One of the most active volcanoes in the country, Tungurahua is just 180 kilometres from the capital, Quito. Experts from the Geophysical Institute of Ecuador say there may be stronger volcanic activity over the new few days. The type of lava, rocks and gases already emitted indicate that Tungurahua could yet pose an even greater threat to nearby communities.
The Ecuadorian Red Cross has activated its emergency plans, providing support to those affected by the eruption in Tungurahua and Chimborazo. Preliminary assessments indicate that the most affected communities are Cusúa, Juive, Bilbao, Cotaló and Penipe.
Around 120 families with 70 children are currently staying in temporary shelters in Guadalupe.
A team of 50 volunteers specializing in needs and damages assessment has been working for three days together with the Civil Defence and other humanitarian organisations.
Another 200 volunteers from Bolivar, Tungurahua, Pastaza, Chimborazo and Quito branches have been deployed to Tungurahua to support evacuated families. They have distributed 14,000 face masks, 600 protective glasses and 500 bottles of saline solution (used to wash eyes damaged by the ashes).
At the same time, trained volunteers have been providing psychological support to evacuated families. “People are afraid and sad because they have lost almost everything,” explains Cristina Medina, National Director of Communication for the Ecuadorian Red Cross.
“Every time they think the volcano has calmed down, there’s another explosion and the panic starts again. Children and adults are worried and need help to cope in this situation.”
Even though Ecuador is familiar with volcanic activity, providing frequent and correct information to communities is another vital part of the emergency response to volcanic eruptions.
“What to do in the event of an eruption, how to protect yourself from the ashes and how to maintain and preserve clean water are among the important messages the Ecuadorian Red Cross has been disseminating,” says Medina.
The situation and any possible escalation of activity are being carefully assessed. Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian Red Cross will continue to support the families and will be monitoring the need to request international aid.