Ecuador: Volcanic Eruption Final Report DREF Operation n° MDREC016
Format
Description of the disaster
On 20 September 2020, an internal explosion of the Sangay volcano generated a large ash cloud that rose some 6 to 10 kilometres above the volcano's crater, according to the National Polytechnic School's Geophysical Institute (IGEPN). The volcano, located in the Sangay National Park bordering the provinces of Tungurahua and Chimborazo, is considered the most active in the country, and the ashes emitted affected five provinces (Chimborazo, Bolívar, Guayas, Los Ríos and Santa Elena). According to data from national and local authorities, the greatest impact was to agriculture and livestock in the cantons of Alausí, Chunchi, Guamote, Cumandá and Pallatanga in Chimborazo province, as well as in Chillanes in Bolívar where the community water sources were contaminated. It was reported that at least 18,685 people were affected.