International Charter activated for Calbuco Volcano eruption in Chile

The International Charter: Space and Major Disasters has been activated today, 23 April, after Calbuco Volcano, in the Los Lagos Region of Chile, erupted twice in less than 24 hours. The mechanism was activated by the National Emergency Office of the Ministry of Interior and Public Security of Chile (ONEMI).

The Calbuco Volcano, which had been dormant for more than 50 years, has erupted twice in less than 24 hours, triggering the declaration of Red Alert for the affected region. Around 4000 people have already been evacuated within a 20km radius, as informed ONEMI.

According to the International Charter, “there have been reports of lava within the eruptions, leading to concerns of ice melting on the mountain, and potential flooding of rivers. A third eruption is currently considered to be likely.”

The International Charter was already activated this year for volcano eruption in Chile, after the Villarrica Volcano erupted on 3 March.