Management of the volcanic crises of Galeras volcano: Social, economic and institutional aspects

This paper presents a summary of the institutional management of the volcanic hazard and risk in the areas that surround Galeras volcano, Colombia, during its recent activity. The social and economic problems discussed have stemmed from difficulties in forecasting the behavior of the volcano and the inadequate management of the warnings by various government bodies and the media. The Galeras situation had economic, social, and psychological effects that contributed to resistance in implementing mitigation measures. Furthermore, the political authorities were reluctant to accept the volcanic risk. At regional and local levels, certain business organizations and a large part of the population also were inadequately prepared to accept the risk, despite the effort and insistence at the national level to implement a volcano emergency preparedness plan.