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Chile volcano prompts evacuation | Chile volcano prompts evacuation |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A volcano has erupted in southern Chile, scattering ash over the surrounding area and forcing more than 1,000 people to leave their homes. | A volcano has erupted in southern Chile, scattering ash over the surrounding area and forcing more than 1,000 people to leave their homes. |
The eruption of the Chaiten volcano caught local authorities by surprise, as experts say it has been dormant for at least 450 years. | The eruption of the Chaiten volcano caught local authorities by surprise, as experts say it has been dormant for at least 450 years. |
But on Friday morning, it blew a thick cloud of ash high into the air. | But on Friday morning, it blew a thick cloud of ash high into the air. |
This prompted the evacuation of sick and elderly people from the town of Chaiten, just six miles away. | This prompted the evacuation of sick and elderly people from the town of Chaiten, just six miles away. |
Residents have been told not to drink the water, because the reservoirs in the area are covered in a layer of ash. | Residents have been told not to drink the water, because the reservoirs in the area are covered in a layer of ash. |
Emergency workers are handing out face masks to help people breathe more easily. | Emergency workers are handing out face masks to help people breathe more easily. |
The eruption also dumped a layer of ash in neighbouring Argentina, forcing the closure of schools and a regional airport. | The eruption also dumped a layer of ash in neighbouring Argentina, forcing the closure of schools and a regional airport. |
Chile is one of the most volcanic countries on Earth, with more than 100 active volcanoes. Of those, experts say about 20 are in danger of erupting at any time. | Chile is one of the most volcanic countries on Earth, with more than 100 active volcanoes. Of those, experts say about 20 are in danger of erupting at any time. |