‘We’re not afraid’: Life goes on for Indigenous Colombians despite volcano eruption risk

PURACE, Colombia — Oliverio Quira frequently visits his cattle on a piece of land he owns close to the Purace volcano in southwestern Colombia. From there, he observes the ash column rising from the crater.

Despite the recent alert indicating a likely eruption in the coming days or weeks due to increased seismic activity and ash emissions reaching up to 900 meters, Quira, 65, remains unfazed. “I’ve lived on the volcano, I grew up there… so I have no reason to fear it. I’ll keep going there, alert or not. I have to look after my animals,” he told The Associated Press.

The Purace volcano, standing at 4,640 meters above sea level, is considered one of Colombia’s active volcanoes, with a history of eruptive events dating back to 1400. The Coconuco Indigenous people, to whom Quira belongs, consider the volcano sacred and a protective spirit of their land.

Rituals performed by the Indigenous community include offerings to the volcano as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of its power. The volcano’s activity is seen as a message calling for greater care of nature and a reminder of the consequences of exploiting it for economic gain.

As the community prepares for a potential evacuation due to the volcano’s activity, elders reassure the younger generations who are witnessing the volcano’s active state for the first time. Despite living in a risk zone, some residents like Reinaldo Pizo, 75, are determined to stay unless faced with immediate danger.

Authorities are working to establish temporary shelters and provide essential resources for the community in case of evacuation. However, challenges such as lack of infrastructure and protection for livestock remain a concern for the residents.