Max Henríquez makes an important warning about a phenomenon that will come to Colombia: It is moving forward

Meteorologist Max Henríquez has issued a new warning regarding an approaching weather phenomenon that could affect Colombia. The tropical storm Dolly is moving toward the Caribbean, but conditions in the Atlantic are not favorable for its strengthening. As a result, it is expected to lose intensity and eventually transform into a tropical wave. This system, though less intense than previous ones, could bring increased cloud cover, rainfall, and isolated thunderstorms as it moves over Colombian territory. Henríquez emphasized that while the impact will be more moderate compared to earlier systems, it still warrants attention due to potential increases in precipitation in northern and central regions of the country. Henríquez also raised concerns about the activity at the Puracé volcano, urging people not to become complacent despite the absence of an imminent eruption. He highlighted that measures should be taken even before a catastrophic event occurs, as has been common practice in Colombia. The Service Geological of Colombia (SGC) explained that the recent increase in seismic activity around Puracé is primarily linked to internal rock fracturing processes known as volcano-tectonic seismicity. These events have both increased in number and energy levels, concentrated mainly towards the northeast of the volcano. The SGC confirmed that this heightened seismic activity does not indicate an ongoing eruption but stressed the importance of continuous monitoring. It advised communities near the volcano to remain vigilant and follow official reports and recommendations from risk management authorities. Since August 1, 2026, the Puracé volcano has remained under orange alert following a progressive increase in its activity detected since July 20. Changes observed include higher seismic energy levels, variations in the temperature of ash emissions, and increased concentrations of gases such as sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. Residents in areas surrounding the Puracé volcano, particularly in the San Rafael Valley and nearby regions within the Cauca department, experienced a day of seismic alerts after an uptick in tremors was recorded. This phenomenon, part of the Los Coconucos volcanic chain, prompted environmental and disaster risk management protocols in southwest Colombia. The SGC, which operates under the Ministry of Mines and Energy, confirmed that the seismic activity stems from volcano-tectonic events, a physical process originating internally through rock fracturing within the volcanic structure. Monitoring stations detected a total of 58 seismic events, predominantly located 11 kilometers north-east of the main crater with an average depth of nine kilometers. Notable events included a major quake measuring 4.1 at 6:18 PM, situated 9.4 kilometers deep in the San Rafael Valley area, approximately 11.1 kilometers north-east of the volcano. Other significant quakes measured 3.9, 3.1, and 2.8 magnitude respectively. Residents in municipalities such as Puracé, Totoró, and the city of Popayán reported feeling several of these tremors. Despite the concern among locals, the technical agency clarified in its extraordinary bulletin that there have been no changes detected in other volcanic monitoring parameters. The SGC pledged to continue monitoring any developments and provide timely updates. In response to such seismic manifestations, the SGC urged residents to stay calm and rely solely on institutional sources to avoid spreading rumors. They recommended closely following daily and extraordinary bulletins published through their official channels and strictly adhering to instructions given by local, departmental, and national disaster risk management authorities.