Rain could cause Río Blanco to overflow again in Chaitén

SANTIAGO.- The presidential delegate in Chaitén, Paula Narváez, warned today of the danger posed to those who still remain in the municipality, not only due to volcanic activity, but also to the possibility of flooding in the area as a result of intense rainfall in the Province of Palena.

"There is volcanic material flowing through the Río Blanco and if you add rain to that, the danger intensifies", stated the representative, who had planned on performing a fly-over of the area this morning but was unable to do so due to bad weather conditions.

Narváez also insisted that the 46 people who have refused to leave Chaitén must evacuate the city now, as they face imminent danger. The authority added that for now, the government will not employ coercive methods to evacuate people, but said that such measures are being evaluated.

The delegate will meet with the Minister of Interior, Edmundo Pérez Yoma, this afternoon to evaluate what steps should be taken on the matter.