Active Ecuadorian volcano not affecting flower farms or exports yet

Two minor explosions at the Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador took place last Friday. The volcano sent an ash plume high into the sky on Friday, before spewing several smaller clouds and leaving surrounding towns with a light dusting of volcanic ash, reports phys.org. The villages and airports were closed briefly. Fortunately, the activities of the volcano have not affected the flower farms and exports yet. "However, if the volcano will erupt, the farms in the southern part of the country will certainly be affected," says Ernesto Davila, General Manager at Sunrite Farms Ecuado.

Ernesto Davila at the Nordic Flower Expo in Malmo, Sweden.

"When I drive from my home to the farm, I can see the ash of the explosion above the volcano," says Davila. The Cotopaxi volcano is active and might erupt soon. Fortunately, the flower exports have not been affected yet. According to Davila, all flights are still taking off, the airport was just closed temporarily. Also, so far the surrounding farms are not experiencing any problems, unless the volcano erupts again. "Fortunately, we are located in the northern part of the Country, in Cayambe (north of Quito), so when or if the volcano erupts, we will be probably safe. However, the farms located in the south will be affected," he says.

Below are some pictures Ernesto took on his way to the office yesterday morning:

Expoflores made a manual for growers what to do in case of ashfall (PDF, in Spanish).

For more information
Sunrite Farms Ecuador

Ernesto Davila
Email: edavila@sunrite.com
www.sunrite.com