Latest News:  

English>>World

Evacuation begins in Chile before volcano's imminent eruption

(Xinhua)

08:32, May 29, 2013

SANTIAGO, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Chilean authorities said that the evacuation of some 2,240 people began Tuesday in the southern town of Alto Biobio, close to Copahue volcano, whose eruption is imminent, local media reported.

"The government sent some 40 people who speak the local language to help explain to the people why they have to leave home for their own safety," said Victor Lobos, Mayor of Biobio region, in southern Chile.

The Chilean government ordered the evacuation of the people living within a 25-kilometer radius of the volcano. The majority of the people are part of the Pehuenche ethnic group.

Some 700 people were evacuated Tuesday, most of them women and children, while men will be allowed to stay more time so they can move their animals.

Chile's National Emergency Office (Onemi) confirmed the volcano 's imminent eruption.

"The technical entity says we have 95 percent of possibilities of eruption, which can occur at any moment within the next 10 days, including a violent eruption. Therefore, we have a complex situation," said Gonzalo Arroyo, Onemi's regional director in Biobio.

Chilean authorities have stressed that evacuation is obligatory, not voluntary.

We recommend:

AN-2 plane crashes in Jalal-Abad region, Kyrgyzstan

Graduation ceremonies of West Point held in New York

People mourn over British fallen soldier in London

'Abused' dolls displayed in Israel

City lit up during Vivid Sydney

Jewish wedding ceremony held in Jerusalem

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:MaXi、Zhang Qian)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. Amphibious armored brigade in training

  2. Close view of Chinese female snipers

  3. 'Sea of Hands' event held in Sydney

  4. Children visit patrol boats during open day

  5. White angels in Chongqing

  6. Dalian mounted police should be unsaddled

  7. China Final of World Super Model Contest 2013

  8. Funny group photos of college graduates

  9. Migrant workers see slower wage rise

  10. Ladies in finance industries

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. Mutual trust essential for China-U.S. relations
  2. Turning-on-red rule is dangerous for pedestrians
  3. Boy's graffiti signals lack of values at home
  4. Sino-Indian diplomatic miracle embarrasses Japan
  5. U.S. dollar could weaken most Asian currencies
  6. Apple's tax dodge smacks of abuse
  7. Chinese premier's Swiss tour fruitful, influential
  8. China-Switzerland FTA to benefit both sides
  9. What China-Switzerland FTA brings about?

What’s happening in China

White angels in Chongqing South West Hospital

  1. Nanjing citizen fulfills piano-making dream
  2. Qingdao's landmark pier damaged in storm surge
  3. Six killed in shed fire in central China
  4. Gov't-led tour makes Mecca dreams come true
  5. Gas station workers sacked over patient's death