, Dec. 14 -- Life continues largely unchanged for Indigenous residents living near Colombia's Purace volcano, even as authorities warn that an eruption could occur in the coming days or weeks due to heightened seismic activity and rising ash emissions.

For 65-year-old Oliverio Quira, a member of the Coconuco Indigenous community, tending cattle near the volcano remains part of daily life. Having grown up on its slopes, he says fear has no place in his relationship with the mountain, which he views as both familiar and protective.

Since an alert was issued on Nov. 29, officials have prepared contingency plans, including a possible evacuation of about 800 people scattered around the volcano. Standing more than 4,600 meters high, Purace is...