www.seguridad.gob.ec

Quito, 22 of August of 2015

19:20

COTOPAXI VOLCANO

PRESS RELEASE 016

The report submitted by the Institute of Geophysics indicated that there were

continuous emissions with moderate ash, which reached up to 2km of height

over the crater; the ash cloud cover towns located between the Northwest and

West side of the volcano.

Ash falls were reported in El Chaupi, Machachi, Aloag and Tambillo, within the

Province of Pichincha, while in Cotopaxi the affected zones are Lasso and

Mulaló.

Meanwhile, preventive measures continue to be enforced by various authorities:

Until now 1,983 householders and 652 civil servants have been trained on

safety measures in the event of an eventual eruption. 121 shelters have

been certified as well safe zones and routes of evacuation. In addition, a

practice drill was performed in the Sector of Selva Alegre, district of

Rumiñahui—Province of Pichincha.

959 emergency/volcano preparedness kits and 2,550 clinical masks have

been distributed.

47 shelter areas have been prepared to accommodate livestock, six

veterinary clinics in the district of Mejia have been installed, and 252 tons of

food for livestock has been delivered.

On the other hand, and as a consequence of the closure the Cotopaxi National

Park, the Ministry of the Environment has provided the general public, as well

as tourist agencies, alternative tourism within Protected Areas.

The Cayambe-Coca National Park, The Ecological Reserve of Cotachi-

Cayapas, The National Sangay Park, among others, have been recommended

as safe touristic zones and an opportunity to visit other natural protected areas

located in the country.