D.M. Quito, 29 of August of 2015 20:00
COTOPAXI VOLCANO PRESS RELEASE 030 The Geophysics Institute of the Polytechnic University reported that the internal activity of the Cotopaxi volcano remains high while the external activity remains moderate. During the day, continuous gas emissions were observed with a moderate load of ash that reached a height of 1500 meters above the crater. The ash cloud headed West and Southwest of the volcano and consequently ash falls were reported over Machachi Tambillo and El Chaupi in the canton Mejia. Activities With the participation of the Secretariat of Risk Management, the Fire Department, and the Red Cross a fair promoting awareness and prevention took place in the parish of Joseguango Bajo, in the canton of Latacunga of the Cotopaxi Province. The objective of the fair was to respond to the queries of the residents living in towns near the volcano. With an attendance of 200 people the fair also provided information pamphlets, which detailed the risks zones, locations of safe zones, routes of evacuation, and shelters. The Caravan of Good Living “Buen Vivir” also participated in the event providing interactive training on risk management in a household. A similar fair was also carried out in another zone and had an attendance of 300 people. The Technical Secretariat of Disabilities alongside the Secretariat of Risk Management, the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion, the Municipality of Latacunga, the Fire Department, the “Make a Wish” Foundation, and the Parochial Directive of Mulaló encompassed a group of 140 volunteers, whom in 21 brigades worked on georeferencing the location of people with disabilities. Here, throughout the day, the authorities provided information on inclusive emergency plans, identification forms, and family evacuation drills. Until late afternoon, the volunteers were able to register 150 households of disabled persons. Meanwhile, in the East end of the Napo Province, the Secretariat of Risk Management visited the parish of Ahuano. There they were able to start a dialogue with the residents and provided them with training on safety measures. In addition, they georeferenced safe zones and gave out 500 guides detailing protection measures. Recommendations Remember these protections measures for people who are visually impaired: Identify yourself clearly and provide them with help; offer your shoulder and do not take their arm or cane; use clear words of guidance such as left, right, forward, backward, up, down; do not leave them alone without prior warning. We reiterate that the yellow alert continues to be in place. Please keep up with up-to-date information by visiting www.volcancotopaxi.com or the official channels of the Ministry of Security Coordination: www.seguridad.gob.ec, @Seguridad_Ec and https://www.facebook.com/SeguridadEcuador.
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