50: Peru’s Ubinas volcano explodes, spreads ashes over nearby village

The volcano, like many others currently erupting on the planet, was awakened from a dormant sleep (2006) and has continued to erupt ever since. We’re currently on pace to witness a record number of volcanic eruptions this year. It’s only April, and 50 systems have already erupted. The average number of volcanoes that typically erupt in a year is somewhere between 50-60. –TEP

April 2015 – PERU – Nearly on the anniversary of the evacuation of 28 thousand camelids from its pastures, the Ubinas volcano erupts once again. The Ubinas volcano of the Moquegua region erupted this morning at 4:24 a.m. causing a layer of ash to fall over nearby villages minutes later, according to Perú21. On March 31, 2014, the volcano’s eruption caused Querapi residents to be evacuated as it sits just five kilometers from the volcano. Days later on April 21, Peru ordered the evacuation of the camelid animals, as the volcano posed a threat following further activity.  

Today the Ubinas volcano erupted after about four months of calm. The National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (SENAMHI) calculated that the 2.5 km column of ash above the crater could reach more than 15 kilometers to the southeast. Escacha and Ubinas Valley therefore will be receiving a layer of ash on their homes, cars, sidewalks, and buildings today following the eruption. Scientific institutions advise that the local populations protect themselves with masks and goggles and to protect water resources and food to prevent contamination. For about 40 years the volcano had been inactive, until 2006 when it began to register more activity. Since then, seismic activity, small eruptions, rocks and ash spewing from its crater have been a common occurrence. – Peru this Week