Copahue volcano in Chile and Argentina

The seismic activity of Copahue volcano has prompted Chilean and Argentinian authorities to issue a red alert and evacuate 3,000 people from the South American border. Some 460 families are expected to be affected by the evacuations.

So far, Copahue (10,000ft) has only spewed gas and thousands of minor earth tremors have been registered but there are increasing concerns that the volcano could erupt imminently. 

Chilean Interior Minister Andres Chadwick confirmed in a news conference that “the red alert had been issued after monitoring the seismic activity of the volcano”. Experts monitoring the volcano suggest it could remain active for another 48 hours. 

The worst affected areas are; Bio Bio (Chile), Caviahaue and Loncopue (Argentina). Initially, a yellow alert was issued in Argentina, but was later raised to a higher level red alert.

Copahue volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the South American region. Last December, Copahue began spewing ash and gas and raised smoke almost 1.5km in the sky; a red alert was issued in Chile and several residents were temporarily evacuated from the area.

In 2011, the eruption of Puyehue volcano caused extensive economic and structural damage in Chile and Argentina which also affected popular tourist resorts; Bariloche, Villa la Angostora and Neuquén.