Chile volcano eruption
Wednesday, 07 May 2008 11:02
The Chaiten volcano in southern Chile had a major eruption late last week on May 1st, causing thousands of people to be evacuated and officials to issue a travel warning.
Dormant for millennia, the volcano suddenly exploded on Thursday, throwing volcanic ash 30,000 metres into the air and sending a thick cloud of ash hundreds of kilometres over Patagonia.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) strongly recommends that visitors to Chile avoid the Puerto Montt, Chaitan and Futaleufu areas.
According to the FCO further eruptions cannot be ruled out and the Chilean authorities remain on full alert as it is unknown how long the volcano will remain active.
The provincial capital of Chaiten has been totally evacuated and both Chileans and Argentine people in the affected area have been advised to wear masks.
Further information can be found on the Chilean official
website.
Click here for video footage of the volcano eruption.