Chile officials monitor Copahue volcano
AAP December 23, 20121:44PM
A family watches the Copahue volcano spewing ashes from Caviahue, Neuquen province, Argentina. Authorities in Chile and Argentina issued yellow alerts due to the eruption of the Copahue volcano, placed in the border between both countries. AFP/Antonio Huglich Source: AFP
INCREASED activity at a volcano on the border of Chile and Argentina has authorities in both countries on alert.
The Copahue volcano in Argentina's Neuquen province and Chile's Biobio region began spewing ash and gas early on Saturday, but officials say it's still in an early eruption stage.
Chile's Mining Minister Hernan de Solminihac says the volcano's smoke plume led Argentine emergency officials to issue a yellow alert and constantly monitor its activity in case of a full eruption.
View of the Copahue volcano spewing ashes behind the lagoon of Caviahue, Neuquen province, Argentina. AFP PHOTO / Antonio Huglich
Flights expected to pass by the area around the volcano have been warned.
Officials say there's no need yet to evacuate people near the volcano, which is part of the Andes mountain chain.
View of the Copahue volcano spewing ashes from Caviahue, 1500km southwest of Buenos Aires. The authorities of Chile and Argentina issued yellow alerts due to the eruption of the Copahue volcano, placed in the border between both countries. AFP / Antonio Huglich
A volcano in southern Chile erupted last year, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the evacuation of more than 600 people.
View of the Copahue volcano spewing ashes from Caviahue, Neuquen province, Argentina. The authorities of Chile and Argentina issued yellow alerts due to the eruption of the Copahue volcano, on the border of both countries. AFP / Antonio Huglich
