Alerts raise risk level to yellow in Nevados de Chillán volcanic complex after records of new explosions
Geological bodies in Argentina and Chile have raised the technical alert level for the Nevados de Chillán Volcanic Complex, which is now classified as yellow. The joint decision was taken after observing a progression in the internal and superficial activity of the massif, located in the Ñuble Region, close to the border with the Province of Neuquén.
Increase in seismic activity justifies change of classification
The measure was motivated by the intensification of monitoring parameters observed in recent weeks. On the morning of the rise, at least five emission events of pyroclastic material and small ash explosions were identified in the active Nicanor crater, with plumes reaching up to 200 meters in altitude. Analysis indicates a possible new entry of magmatic material into the Las Termas subcomplex, or an increase in seismicity related to fluid movement and rock fracture.
Despite the elevation of status, the Civil Defense of the province of Neuquén assures that there is no immediate impact or imminent risk for Argentine territory. The region has a modern monitoring system, which tracks volcanic phenomena 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of the local population.
Special monitoring is being carried out in locations north of Neuquén, located at a distance of 50 to 100 km from the complex, such as Las Ovejas (56 km), Manzano Amargo (58 km) and Varvarco (65 km). The National Weather Service (SMN) confirmed that no volcanic fissures have been detected in the atmosphere over the border so far.
Authorities define danger zones and preventive alerts
In Chile, authorities will establish a one-kilometer potential danger zone around the active crater. The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) issued an Early Preventive Alert for the municipalities of Pinto and Coihueco, but so far there are no reports of mass evacuations or general access restrictions.
Potential and historical impact of the complex
The area considered affected covers a radius of three kilometers close to the main crater. Any effects on Argentine territory would be limited to residues of particulate matter, such as volcanic debris, carried by the wind, and would not represent a direct risk to the population.
The information was released by the Argentine Volcano Monitoring Observatory (OAVV), part of Segemar. The Nevados de Chillán Volcanic Complex is the 10th most active in the Chilean ranking of volcanic structures and recorded an intense eruptive period between 2015 and 2022, which resulted in deposits of volcanic residue in several cities in Neuquén, including Caviahue.
