Effects
of El Reventador Volcano eruption (2002) in water and sewerage systems.
Lessons learned (PAHO, 2003)
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El
Reventador volcano erupted in early November in 2002, 90 kilometers
northeast of Quito. Repeated explosions produced ash clouds, constant
gas columns, and lava flows, alarming the population of several
provinces of Ecuador.
Whereas
this volcanic activity did not cause deaths directly, it did cause
respiratory, ophthalmologic, digestive, and dermatological problems.
Furthermore, it generated an emergency in drinking water supply
and sewerage systems because ash contaminated water sources and
affected the general production of water.
This
document analyzes the effects of the eruptions of 2002 caused on
water and sewerage systems of the three most affected Ecuadorian
provinces: Napo, Sucumbíos, and Pichincha, where the Metropolitan
District of Quito is located.
Taking
into account both urban areas and rural, the text systematizes the
information on the impact of the eruption on different aspects of
water and sewerage systems, highlights the lessons learned about
the phenomenon, and makes suggestions to face similar events in
the future. The document is a reference for those involved in preparing
strategies to manage this type of phenomenon in other Latin American
and Caribbean countries.
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