26 Mar 2018 | 01:06 PM UTC
Chile-Argentina: Copahue volcano on yellow alert March 26
Yellow alert issued for Copahue volcano (located on Chilean-Argentinean border) March 26 due to increased activity
Event
The Chilean geological service Sernageomin placed the area around the Copahue volcano on yellow alert on Monday, March 26. The volcano had been showing signs of activity since the afternoon of March 24. The yellow alert indicates that volcanic activity is unstable and that there is the possibility of minor explosions and release of gas. No evacuations have been ordered but individuals are being advised to avoid the area within a 1.5-km (0.9-mi) radius of the crater.
Copahue is located on the Chilean-Argentinean border.
Context
Parts of Chile and Argentina are located along the Nazca fault line and experience a great deal of seismic activity. Intense volcanic activity at Mount Copahue in 2012 resulted in the evacuation of some 3000 people, including 800 people on Argentinean territory.
Advice
Individuals in the above area are advised to keep abreast of the situation and adhere to all advice or instructions issued by the local authorities.
