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Chile volcano Villarrica eruption spews ash and lava | Chile volcano Villarrica eruption spews ash and lava |
(about 5 hours later) | |
The Villarrica volcano in southern Chile erupted in the early hours of Tuesday morning, spewing ash and lava up to 1,000m (3,300ft) into the air. | The Villarrica volcano in southern Chile erupted in the early hours of Tuesday morning, spewing ash and lava up to 1,000m (3,300ft) into the air. |
More than 3,000 people have been evacuated from the volcano's vicinity. The mayor of the nearby town of Pucon said residents had left "calmly". | More than 3,000 people have been evacuated from the volcano's vicinity. The mayor of the nearby town of Pucon said residents had left "calmly". |
President Michelle Bachelet said she would travel to the area on Tuesday to assess the situation. | President Michelle Bachelet said she would travel to the area on Tuesday to assess the situation. |
The 2840m-high Villarrica is an active volcano with a lava lake in its crater. | The 2840m-high Villarrica is an active volcano with a lava lake in its crater. |
It is a popular destination for hikers. Hundreds climb the peak each summer to peer inside the crater. | It is a popular destination for hikers. Hundreds climb the peak each summer to peer inside the crater. |
According to Chile's Ministry of Mining, its last major eruption was in 1985. | According to Chile's Ministry of Mining, its last major eruption was in 1985. |
More than 100 people are thought to have died in mudflows on the slopes of the volcano during the 20th Century. | More than 100 people are thought to have died in mudflows on the slopes of the volcano during the 20th Century. |
Chilean police said the towns of Pucon and Conaripe had been evacuated as a precaution. | Chilean police said the towns of Pucon and Conaripe had been evacuated as a precaution. |
Pucon Mayor Carlos Parra said that after 20 minutes, the volcano's activity seemed to have calmed down again. | Pucon Mayor Carlos Parra said that after 20 minutes, the volcano's activity seemed to have calmed down again. |
"There's no ash, no lava flow, the volcano is totally passive at the moment," he said. | "There's no ash, no lava flow, the volcano is totally passive at the moment," he said. |