Peru's Sabancaya Volcano has been upgraded to an orange alert status due to a significant increase in its eruptive activity. This escalation follows an event on September 13, 2025, which produced an ash plume extending over 5,000 meters. The eruption was accompanied by explosions and pyroclastic flows, prompting the National Volcanological Center of Peru (Cenvul) to issue a specific warning for ash dispersion impacting nearby districts.
The orange alert signifies a heightened state of volcanic unrest, characterized by increased seismic activity, frequent explosive events, and continuous ash emissions. Sabancaya, located in the Caylloma province, is recognized as Peru's second most active volcano, having been in a continuous eruptive phase since November 2016. Daily activity typically includes around 30 explosions with ash emissions, some plumes reaching over 4 kilometers, and thousands of earthquakes.
Volcanic ash poses a considerable risk to both local communities and aviation. Past events, such as the 2019 Ubinas volcano eruption, have demonstrated how ash clouds can travel vast distances, disrupting air traffic. Volcanic ash can cause severe damage to aircraft engines and negatively impact air quality, potentially exacerbating respiratory issues for nearby populations. Protective measures, including the use of N95-certified masks, are recommended to mitigate exposure to ash and other airborne pollutants.
The Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP), through Cenvul, continuously monitors Peru's active volcanoes. Cenvul operates real-time monitoring networks on 13 volcanoes and issues alerts and reports crucial for volcanic risk management. The recent upgrade to orange alert for Sabancaya reflects the dynamic nature of its ongoing eruption, which began in November 2016 and is expected to persist for several more years.