INGEMMET SEEKS TO CONSOLIDATE ITS VOLCANO OBSERVATORY AS A HIGH-LEVEL RESEARCH CENTER

MSc. Susana Vilca, executive president of the Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute (INGEMMET), reported that they are working to consolidate the INGEMMET Volcano Observatory (OVI), as a high-level research center. It was announced at the opening of the cycle of conferences "Volcanoes and Community: Impact of Volcanic Eruptions on Modern Society".

"We all are carrying out the mission commissioned by the President of the Republic, Mr. Martín Vizcarra Cornejo. In accordance with our functions, we are working with the aim to promote and consolidate the OVI as a high-level research center and capable of managing volcanic risk, in coordination with national, regional and local authorities.” she said.

It is important to note this event is held within the framework of the INGEMMET 41st anniversary, in coordination with the Latin American Association of Volcanology (ALVO).

On his side, Mariano Agusto, president of ALVO, highlighted the strategic alliance that sustains his association with INGEMMET in favor of volcano research worldwide. Thus, he said, "The work carried out by INGEMMET contributes to the safety of populations; by studying volcanic hazards and volcanic activities, through monitoring, risk assessment, and the identification of populations and structures vulnerable to these hazards".

This event brings together international professionals and researchers in order to strengthen cooperation bonds between volcano observatories and research institutions for disaster risk management. In addition, they will be presenting experiences in emergency response, education and dissemination during the processes of volcanic activity.

As mentioned, the cycle of conferences is divided into three sessions. On August 26, the topic “Attention to volcanic emergencies in times of pandemic” was developed. In this section was held with the participation of representatives of the National Volcanic Surveillance Network (Chile); Geophysical Institute, National Polytechnic School (Ecuador); Colombian Geological Survey; Seismological Service of Guatemala; Volcano and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica; United States Geological Survey and INGEMMET Volcano Observatory (Peru).

The specialists agreed that the stage the world is going through, due to covid-19, has not research or emergency care related to volcanology has been paralyzed, because of its great importance in disaster risk management.