25 Sep 2023 | 07:43 AM UTC
Chile: Increased volcanic activity ongoing at Villarrica volcano in Araucania and Los Rios regions as of Sept. 24
Increased volcanic activity ongoing at Villarrica volcano in Araucania and Los Rios region, Chile, Sept. 24. Authorities raise alert level.
Event
Officials with the National Geology and Mining Service of Chile (SERNAGEOMIN) have observed increased levels of volcanic activity at the Villarrica volcano in Araucania and Los Rios regions, approximately 83 km (52 miles) southeast of Temuco, as of Sept. 24. Monitoring stations at the volcano have detected increased seismic activity, indicating an eruption may be imminent at the volcano. Due to the increased activity, SERNAGEOMIN has raised the alert level at the volcano to orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale). Authorities have increased the security perimeter around Villarrica from 0.5 km (0.3 miles) to 8 km (5 miles). The National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry (SENAPRED) is maintaining a yellow alert (second lowest level on a four-tier scale) for the communes of Villarrica, Pucon, and Curarrehue in La Araucania Region and the commune of Panguipulli in Los Rios Region. Authorities may issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as conditions change over the coming days.
Authorities have evacuated around 30 families between Villarrica and Pucon communes and have warned that they will evacuate the ski center within the exclusion zone. The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) has suspended classes in five schools in Panguipulli Commune Sept. 25. Additional eruptions could cause low-level seismic activity, ash clouds, and landslides in the surrounding area.
Air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater following an explosive event. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.
Transport disruptions are possible in the surrounding area, especially if a significant eruptive event occurs. Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall, which could reduce visibility. Officials might close roads near the volcano, depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace, including La Araucania International Airport (ZCO) in Temuco. Authorities may temporarily close airport facilities if significant ashfall accumulations occur.
Advice
Confirm flights if a large eruption occurs. Plan for possible transportation disruptions if operating near the volcano in the coming days. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving; due to reduced visibility, drive cautiously in areas affected by ash. Carry facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area.
