Ecuador - Volcano could cause farmers over $100m in damage

03.09.2015 422 views
Cotopaxi in Ecuador continues to rumble after its first eruption in 70 years earlier this month. Over the last week, the volcano has been emitting almost constant steam-and-ash plumes punctuated by small explosions—all signs that magma is rising into the volcano. The steam-and-ash plumes have mostly been 1-2 kilometers in height and rangers in the National Park surrounding the volcano have reported a few millimeters of fine ash fall. You can check out some pictures of how this ash is impacting the local communities, where farmers have said that their livestock is beginning to feel the effects. Ash from Cotopaxi has reached as far as the Pacific Ocean during this week of unrest. Dozens of earthquakes along with constant harmonic tremor were recorded at Cotopaxi over the last day as well. Farmers in those regions grow flowers and broccoli for export, and a large eruption from Cotopaxi could cause over $100 million in damage to those crops. Ash has also put a damper already on ecotourism in the area around the volcano. Source - http://www.freshplaza.com
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