The Lascar volcano, located 1600 kilometers from Santiago in northern Chile, recorded an increase in its volcanic activity on Saturday, resulting in an earthquake and a column of smoke 6000 meters high.
Chile’s National Geology and Mining Industry Service reported in a statement that the Lascar woke up at 12:36 p.m. local time (1536 GMT) on Saturday after sending out a seismic signal.
This increase in Lascar’s volcanic activity resulted in a “volcanic plume, which according to satellite observations rose 6000 meters above the crater”, is also indicated in the press release.
The authorities have decided to raise the volcanic alert level near Lascar from green to yellow, and announced the establishment of a five-kilometre security perimeter around the volcano, where there are pastures and circuits. climbing.
The yellow alert is triggered when a volcano shows unstable activity, with minor explosions and the appearance of fumaroles.
A report was also sent regarding air transport in the area.
There were no reported injuries or damaged infrastructure. The village of Talabre, 30 kilometers from the crater, has however been put on alert by the local authorities for a possible evacuation.
The Lascar, 5592 meters high, is located in the Antofagasta region, 70 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, one of the main tourist centers in northern Chile.
This volcano, which recorded similar activities in 2006 and 2015, last erupted in 1993.
The volcanic yellow alert is also active in Chile for the Nevados de Chillan volcano complex, 385 kilometers south of Santiago, and for Villarrica, 800 kilometers from the capital.