Volcano Eruptions Intensify in Chile

Antaletriangle · 04-06-2009, 08:08 PM

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/06/wo...ef=global-home

SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) — The eruption of the Llaima volcano in Chile intensified Sunday, blowing ash four miles into the sky and prompting more evacuations.

Llaima, one of South America’s most active volcanoes, began spewing lava on Friday night in a fresh bout of activity. Emergency officials said a towering cloud of ash was drifting toward Argentina, extending 62 miles southeast of the volcano.

“The volcano continues to permanently erupt, with explosions, lava flows and ash,” said Helia Vargas, an official with the state National Emergency Office. “More people were evacuated overnight because of the risk of mud avalanches as the lava melts snow on the volcano.”

Lava was flowing down the volcano’s sides in three directions for hundreds of yards, she said, and 71 people have been evacuated.

04-06-2009, 08:08 PM	#1
Antaletriangle Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: U.K. Posts: 3,380	Volcano Eruptions Intensify in Chile http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/06/wo...ef=global-home SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) — The eruption of the Llaima volcano in Chile intensified Sunday, blowing ash four miles into the sky and prompting more evacuations. Llaima, one of South America’s most active volcanoes, began spewing lava on Friday night in a fresh bout of activity. Emergency officials said a towering cloud of ash was drifting toward Argentina, extending 62 miles southeast of the volcano. “The volcano continues to permanently erupt, with explosions, lava flows and ash,” said Helia Vargas, an official with the state National Emergency Office. “More people were evacuated overnight because of the risk of mud avalanches as the lava melts snow on the volcano.” Lava was flowing down the volcano’s sides in three directions for hundreds of yards, she said, and 71 people have been evacuated.