Calbuco volcano in Chile

This item appears on page 17 of the June 2015 issue.

The Calbuco volcano in southern Chile erupted on the evening of April 22 and again around 1 a.m. on April 23, each time sending an ash cloud miles into the air. Lava flows melted snow on the mountain, causing river levels to rise. No deaths were reported, but more than 6,000 people were evacuated from the area. 

Ash from the volcano, sometimes measuring as deep as 22 inches, fell as far as 70 miles away, including in neighboring Argentina. 

Due to the potential damage from fine particles of ash, planes from the US and Australia to South America turned back, while two Air France flights landed in alternate locations. Other flights faced cancellations or delays. 

A smaller eruption occurred on April 28.