Calbuco volcano erupts anew; ash causing concern
The Calbuco volcano is seen erupting from Puerto Varas, Chile Wednesday. The volcano erupted billowing a huge ash cloud over a sparsely populated, mountainous area in southern Chile. Authorities ordered the evacuation of the inhabitants of the nearby town of Ensenada, along with residents of two smaller communities. (AP Photo/Carlos F. Gutierrez)
The Calbuco volcano erupts near Puerto Varas, Chile Wednesday. The volcano erupted billowing a huge ash cloud over a sparsely populated, mountainous area in southern Chile. Authorities ordered the evacuation of the inhabitants of the nearby town of Ensenada, along with residents of two smaller communities. (AP Photo/Carlos F. Gutierrez)
The Calbuco volcano erupts near Puerto Varas, Chile Wednesday. The Calbuco volcano erupted Wednesday for the first time in more than 42 years, billowing a huge ash cloud over a sparsely populated, mountainous area in southern Chile. Authorities ordered the evacuation of the 1,500 inhabitants of the nearby town of Ensenada, along with residents of two smaller communities.(AP Photo/Diego Main/Aton Chile)
Children watch the Calbuco volcano erupt, from Puerto Varas, Chile Wednesday. The volcano erupted billowing a huge ash cloud over a sparsely populated, mountainous area in southern Chile. Authorities ordered the evacuation of the inhabitants of the nearby town of Ensenada, along with residents of two smaller communities. (AP Photo/Carlos F. Gutierrez)
The Calbuco volcano erupts near Puerto Varas, Chile Thursday. The volcano erupted Wednesday for the first time in more than 42 years, billowing a huge ash cloud over a sparsely populated, mountainous area in southern Chile, and is considered one of the top three most potentially dangerous among Chile’s 90 active volcanos.(AP Photo/David Cortes Serey/ Agencia Uno) CHILE OUT - NO USAR EN CHILE
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Twin blasts from the Calbuco volcano in southern Chile have sent vast clouds of ash into the sky, increasing concerns that it could contaminate water, cause respiratory illnesses and ground flights.
The volcano erupted Wednesday afternoon for the first time in more than four decades, then had another outburst early Thursday.
Authorities have evacuated 4,000 people and closed access to the area around the volcano, which lies near the cities of Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt, some 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) south of Santiago.
LATAM airlines cancelled flights to and from both cities because airborne ash can damage jet engines.
No injuries are reported but one hiker remains missing.
President Michelle Bachelet issued a state of emergency and is expected to visit the area.