Experts have warned about the Nevado del Ruiz volcano eruption in Colombia, as it is showing signs of increased activity.
Evacuation orders have been issued by the Colombian government in the potential impact zone due to earthquake swarms.
In the 1980s, the volcano caused one of the largest disasters in the Western Hemisphere, killing at least 25,000 people.
The last major eruption took place during a time of major political turmoil, and the tragedy was worsened by a concurrent storm.
The population in municipalities near the volcano has only risen since the initial tragedy in 1985.
President Gustavo Petro has requested that civilians in the potential impact zone evacuate, and he has told the authorities to be swift with their response.
18 orange alerts have been issued since 1985, but none have formed into a major volcano eruption in colombia.
Volcanologists compare the Nevado del Ruiz to Washington’s Mount St. Helens in terms of explosive eruptions and dangerous mudflows.
The movement of underground fluid is likely responsible for the increased activity and ash emissions.