****Chile’s Hudson Volcano Forces Evacuations; Region on Red Alert!!****

27th October, 2011

Chile's Hudson Volcano is rumbling and the government has issued a red alert, ordering the evacuation of all residents living within 25 miles.

The red alert includes the Chilean cities of Aysen, Rio Ibanez and Chile Chinco. So far, 115 people have been evacuated and the government is working to contact 10 workers in the area near Lago Caro.

Rodrigo Ubilla, the minister of the interior, reported new volcanic activity in the area Thursday morning and declared the next 12 hours crucial in determining the extent of the emergency. Officials are preparing for an imminent major eruption.

Concerns arose after the Hudson Volcano blasted steam nearly a mile skyward on Tuesday. The eruption's seismic activity triggered an avalanche in the area, though there were no reports of injuries or damage.

[link to www.ibtimes.com]