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Chile volcano prompts evacuation Chile volcano prompts evacuation
(about 11 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 4,000 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. Chile's national emergency office said that the volcano was continuing to register activity on Saturday.
This prompted the evacuation of sick and elderly people from the town of Chaiten, just six miles away. Sick and elderly people have been evacuated from Chaiten, six miles away.
About 500 people were still waiting to be evacuated by boat.
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. Chilean officials have distributed fresh water and protective masks.
Local hospitals have treated people for breathing difficulties.
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.