Guagua Pichincha Update - Oct 23, 1998
Richard Polatty
Guagua Pichincha experienced a renewed period of activity during the past week. A state of Yellow Alert still exists until further notice while the city prepares for the worst but hopes for the best. Daily articles in all of the major newspapers are describing what type of food should be stockpiled and escape routes from the city. It has started raining which could effect the amount of steam and phreatic explosions that take place. Long period activity increased quite a bit also which should indicate lava movement. The depth of the lava is at around 3km deep.

Overflights have been taken over the crater which did not show any evidence of change in relief of the area. (This can be significant as it indicates possible doming of the lava in a small area). There was a phreatic explosion at 5:08am on Wednesday but in general, the activity has decreased quite a bit over the past few days. I will try to compile a graph of the entire period of activity soon but the last weeks can be seen by clicking below.
Graph of Guagua Pichincha activity

In general, there is still nothing that can be said about the likelihood of an eruption. Quito is in a relatively protected area and simple precautions should be sufficient to protect the public in case of an eruption. Phreatic explosions might become more frequent as the rains continue but these are very localized in nature. Travelers to Quito should be aware that air travel would be disrupted by an eruption but there are roads that can be taken to other cities with air links.

The Municipal Government and IBM are also maintaining a page (in spanish) at:
http://www.guaguapichincha.org.ec

Guagua Pichincha Update - Oct 13, 1998
Richard Polatty

The volcano Guagua Pichincha continues to behave itself but is still the focus of everyone's attention in Quito. Officially the Yellow Alert continues. The local newspapers are all carrying articles ranging from how to prepare oneself down to where the ash collection stations will be after the blast. The populace is calming down some although gas masks are still be sold for premium prices.

Phreatic explosions (caused by the interaction of water and hot rock or magma) are still occurring in the crater. There was a phreatic explosion on sunday Oct 11 at 6:31pm and again on Monday at about midnight. There have been no reported seismic events under the volcano since 3pm Sunday. Steam continues from the fumaroles up to an estimated 200 meters high which the locals are calling "The Locomotive". Digital thermographs and seismographs are being used to monitor the crater. The inhabitants of one of the neighborhoods at greatest risk ascended the crater on Saturday with an image of the "Virgin of Quinche" on their shoulders to pray for deliverance from the volcano.

A new web site has been set up in Ecuador for more complete information about the volcano. It is located at:

http://www.guaguapichincha.org.ec

In general, the situation has not changed. English language updates of the situation will continue to be posted on the Naturalist Net while photos and maps can be found at the above address.