Chile: Chillan volcano raised to orange alert April 7

Event

The Chilean geological service Sernageomin placed the area around the Chillan volcano (Nevados de Chillan) on orange alert (third highest on a four level scale) on Saturday, April 7. The volcanic complex, located 550km (300 mi) south of Santiago in the Bio Bio region of the Chilean Andes, had been presenting increased signs of activity in recent days, including a column of white smoke, unusual lava flow, and multiple tremors.

At present, no evacuation has been ordered from the nearby towns of Termas de Chillán SkiCenter, Las Trancas, Recinto and Los Lleuques. The main risks associated with an eruption of the volcano complex are lahars and lava flows channeled through the main valleys in the region. Ash plumes are also possible.

Context

One of the most active volcanoes in the country, the complex has been on yellow alert level since 2015. The last major eruption of the Nevados de Chilllan volcanic complex was in 1973, with small eruptions also documented in 2003 and 2009. The complex is part of the Southern Volcanic Zone of the Andean Cordillera. 

Advice

Individuals in or intending to travel to the above area are advised to keep abreast of the situation and adhere to all advice or instructions issued by the local authorities.