D.M. Quito, 7 of October 2015 19:30
COTOPAXI VOLCANO PRESS RELEASE 108 The last report submitted by the Geophysics Institute of the Polytechnic University indicated the Cotopaxi volcano presents a moderate level of internal and external activity. This morning, the atmosphere surrounding the volcano was semi-clear. Emissions of vapor and gases with low ash content and heading westward were observed. During the late afternoon, emissions reached up to 1500 meters over the crater, heading westward. There have been reports of ash falls of a fine gray color in the north flank of the volcano and in the sector of Cutuchi River, in Lasso, there has been an increase in the river flow of approximately 30 cm, which has displaced fine sediments that change the color hue. Currently, the volcano remains overcast. The seismic activity remains similar to past days. Movements of magma and fluids in the interior of the volcano and tremors are in accordance with the exit of gases through the crater. No rains have registered in the sector. To strengthen the monitoring of lahars a new camera was installed in the north of the volcano in the sector denominated as La Merced of the canton of Mejía, this will allow the observation of the course of the Pita River. Actions Carried Out Pichincha This morning the Council of Emergency Operations of the canton of Mejía performed a simulation, which evaluated institutional response times in the event of an eruption. This activity had the participation of authorities of the Ministry of Security Coordination, the Decentralized Autonomous Government of the canton of Mejía, Fire Department, Red Cross, and the ministries of Education, health and Economic and Social Inclusion. In the canton of Rumiñahui the Social Work Unit of the Ministry of Social Inclusion carried out a training session on preventive measures. In addition, in Quito, they also instructed shelter administrators on actions to be carried out. Likewise, and through a coordinated effort with the Central University of Ecuador, they provided training sessions to 400 students of the Social Work Faculty on psychosocial care to be provided to people who may seek refuge in shelters. In the parish of Aloasí and El Chaupi, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries gave out 24 tons of cattle feed, which will feed 861 cattle (property of 116 families) Cotopaxi 37 educational units of Latacunga and Salcedo, with a total of 32,332 students, participated in a massive evacuation drill in the city of Latacunga. This exercise was part of the strengthening process of response capacities against the eruptive process of the Cotopaxi volcano.
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Recommendations During ash falls do not carry out activities in the open air. Remember to prioritize care to vulnerable groups.
For more information visit www.volcancotopaxi.com, the official channels of the Ministry of Security Coordination (www.seguridad.gob.ec, @Seguridad_Ec, https://www.facebook.com/SeguridadEcuador) and the Geophysics http://www.igepn.edu.ec/.
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