Red alert declared for areas closest to Llaima volcano lava flow

SANTIAGO.- After announcing that the Llaima volcano lava flow now extends over two kilometers from the crater, authorities have decided to declare a red alert for the areas closest to the stream of molten rock.

This was the statement issued to EMOL by the director of the National Emergency Office (ONEMI), Carmen Fernández, who indicated that the measure implies the establishment of a no-entry zone, guarded by officers of the armed forces, where no one who does not belong to the emergency teams will be allowed access to the areas of highest risk, such as La Selva and Danubio.

The red alert also means that all people within the parameters must be evacuated.  An operation is currently underway to remove the eleven people who, according to ONEMI workers, remain in the area where 22 residents have already been evacuated.

Despite the red alert declared for the areas closest to the lava flow, the ONEMI announced that the municipalities of Melipeuco, Curacautín, Cunco and Vilcún remain on yellow alert.