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Volcanic Complex Could Erupt Soon, Chile Says

by Reuters

   SANTIAGO, CHILE --

   A cluster of volcanoes known as the Nevados de Chillan in southern
   Chile could erupt within "days or weeks," according to the country's
   national emergency office.

   The office, Onemi, issued an orange alert for risk of eruption, the
   second most serious alert for volcanoes, in an advisory late Monday.
   The agency had previously warned that the complex could erupt within
   "weeks or months."

   Activity in the cluster of volcanoes, 380 kilometers (235 miles) south
   of Santiago in the Andes mountains, has increased in recent months. The
   biggest eruption in the cluster, with 17 craters, occurred in 1973.

   The nearest towns are located in the western area of the Nevados de
   Chillan, including popular ski resorts. Chile's military stands ready
   to assist evacuations in the event of an eruption.

   Chile has the second largest and most active volcanic chain in the
   world, behind Indonesia.