The regional government of Moquegua in southern Peru has raised the alert level from yellow to orange due to increased activity of the Ubinas volcano.
The volcano has been emitting ashes that are dispersing towards the south and southeast, where nearby towns are located, according to the National Institute of Civil Defense (Indeci).
In response to the situation, the authorities of Moquegua, following the recommendation of the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP), have provided water and other resources to the Ubinas district, which are being stored preventively in a shelter in the town of Siraguaya.
The municipality has also distributed masks and glasses to the residents of several population centers in coordination with the National Police.
Technical meetings have been held to update contingency plans and prepare the population for a potential evacuation.
The ash from the volcano has reached up to 1,700 meters above the summit and is dispersing towards various sectors, including Querapi, Tonohaya, Anascapa, Sacohaya, Ubinas, Lloque, and Yunga, as well as ranches and grazing areas.
The National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) is actively monitoring the situation in coordination with regional and local authorities.
The Geophysical Institute of Peru has recommended raising the alert level based on increased internal seismic activity, magma ascent, thermal anomalies, and ash emissions.
Peru is home to more than 400 volcanoes, with Ubinas and Sabancaya currently in an eruptive process.
Five other volcanoes, including Misti, Huaynaputina, Ticsani, Yucamane, and Tutupaca, are also active. In September 2019, Ubinas released ashes that reached the nearby town after a series of explosions.