The Puracé volcano remains on orange alert after the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) raised the alert level on 2026-08-01. ^[1] The Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) said that the increased seismic activity at the Puracé volcano, located in Cauca department and part of the Los Coconucos volcanic chain, is mainly due to processes inside the volcanic system. ^[2] Residents of Popayán and the Cauca department reported lightning discharges over the Puracé volcano on the night of August 31, 2026, during an ash emission event. ^[3] The SGC explained that the seismic movements recorded at Puracé volcano are related to rock fracturing in the subsurface, a type of activity called volcano-tectonic seismicity. ^[4] The SGC reported that monitoring equipment has shown an increase in the number and energy of these seismic events at Puracé volcano, with a concentration mainly to the northeast. ^[5] The phenomenon observed is known as 'dirty storms' or volcanic thunderstorms, occurring when volcanic ash, rock fragments, and gases collide to generate electrical charges. ^[6] The Puracé volcano is currently under an orange alert level, which indicates a probability of eruption greater than usual and requires permanent attention. ^[7] The Colombian Geological Service (Servicio Geológico Colombiano) maintains technical monitoring of the volcano, including seismic movements, gas emissions, and ash. ^[8]