Thousands evacuated as earthquakes rock southern Chile
Pastor Dale Morgan
Thousands evacuated as earthquakes rock southern Chile*
2008-05-04 11:02:52
SANTIAGO, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Some 4,000 people have been evacuated from
Chaiten in southern Chile since Friday night, as minor but frequent
earthquakes struck the region.
According to the University of Chile's Seismological Service, more
than 10 moderate earthquakes have hit the Chaiten region between Friday
night and Saturday morning.
No casualties or damage have been reported so far.
The quakes, some experts believe, were triggered by the eruption of
Chaiten volcano early Friday morning. Regions around the volcano have
been covered with dense clouds of ash and dust.
The volcano, located 10 km from the city of Chaiten, is small and
not expected to produce huge eruptions, but possible eruptions at any
time pose a deadly threat due to the volcano's proximity to the city.
Local authorities have declared a red alert.