A volcano in Chile, on yellow alert: what it means and which Argentine localities could be affected

He Nevados de Chillán volcano, Located on the Andes mountain range in Chile and close to the north of Neuquén, it is located under yellow alert after the increase in activity recorded in the crater.

The Argentine Mining Geological Service (SEGEMAR), through its Argentine Volcanic Surveillance Observatory (OAVV) and in conjunction with the Southern Andes Volcanological Observatory (OVDAS) of Chile, reported that the level of technical alert went from green to yellow.

As explained by SEGEMAR, the Special Report on Volcanic Activity (REAV) recorded at least five pulses of pyroclastic material, with a maximum estimated height of 160 meters above the level of the crater.

In addition, the agency noted that since the end of February the monitoring stations installed in the vicinity of the complex volcanic they are registering a sustained increase in seismicity associated with internal fluid dynamics.

He Nevados de Chillán Volcanic Complex It is located entirely in Chilean territory, within the Ñuble Region, and occupies position number 10 in the Volcanic Risk Ranking of the neighboring country.

Las nearest Argentine towns are located in the province of Neuquén, within a radius of between 50 and 100 kilometers from the volcano. Among them are The Sheep, the 56 kilometers; Bitter Apple Tree, 58 kilometers; and Varvarco65 kilometers away.

Nevados de Chillán Volcano: what does the yellow alert mean for volcanoes?

According to the Argentine Mining Geological Service, the yellow alert implies changes in the usual behavior of volcanic activity. In this scenario, an increase in local seismic activity could be recorded and also the volcanic ash fall.

However, this alert level does not imply an imminent eruption. What it indicates is that the volcano presents changes in its behavior that require more frequent monitoring and the adoption of preventive measures.

In fact, according to local media LM Neuquén, the Chilean towns of Pinto and Coihueco were warned preventively by the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred).

Given this scenario, the recommendations for the population are Stay alert and follow the instructions of Civil Protection, Learn about prevention measures in the event of a possible fall of volcanic ash in the territory and review emergency plans for possible eruptions.

According to the information provided by the National Meteorological Service (SMN), so far No presence of suspended volcanic ash was recorded on the border between Argentina and Chile.

Until now There are no evacuation alerts either.. From SEGEMAR they explained that, taking into account the history of the last eruptive cycle of this volcano between 2015 and 2022, it is expected that low magnitude explosions may be recorded in the active crater that affect an approximate radius of one kilometer in Chilean territory.

Finally, the OAVV assured that it will remain in constant communication with OVDAS to report any change in the activity of the volcano and any possible impact on Argentine territory.