Quito - October 5, 1998
Richard Polatty

Quito is now in a state of "Yellow Alert" because of activity in the crater of Guagua Pichincha (pronounced wawa Pichincha). Quito is built on the slopes of Rucu Pichincha and Guagua Pichincha is the active volcano behind it. There has been measurable magma movement at depth over the past month and now reactivation of fumaroles in the crater. Three new fumaroles have formed and the intense smell of sulphur is evident.

Approximately 2 million people live in the area of the volcano. The majority of Quito is mainly at risk from mud flows that could be produced by an eruption. Pyroclastics can build up on the hillsides and then rain causing the mud to flow down. The city itself is protected from major blast effects. Ash falls are a definite possibility though. Over the past week, there has been a lot of concern with the populace emptying the shelves of stores of supplies of bottled water and dry goods. The American International School is requiring all of the students to bring towels with them to school in order to make ash masks. (A wet towel makes an excellent filter). Historically, Quito has been covered with ash.

The official stages of alert are:

Yellow - remain alert to information about the dangers of an eruption
White - the volcano has reactivated
Orange - Eruption is imminent
Red - 48 hours until eruption

There are 10 monitoring stations on Guagua Pichincha and 2 more to be placed soon. More updates will be posted as the eruption develops (or not!) Volcanos are very unpredictable. We can say that they will erupt but not necessarily when. Visitors to Quito should mainly realize that ash could fall and be prepared with a wet cloth. The city is protected by a wall of rock (Condor-Huachana, Cruz Loma, and Ungüi) Visits to the crater of are not advised though!

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