Thousands Threatened by Volcano Evacuated From Towns in Chile

SANTIAGO, Chile — A volcano in southern Chile blasted toxic gas and hot rocks, prompting the government to order the immediate evacuation of all residents within 18 miles of the site.

A blast at 8:30 a.m. local time yesterday ripped off the northern part of the volcano's dome, creating a crater about 2,600 feet wide, La Segunda said, citing vulcanologist Daniel Basualto. A second, stronger explosion shook the area at about 3 p.m., El Mercurio reported on its Web site. Lava could be seen at the base of the crater, Radio Cooperativa reported.

About 8,000 of 12,000 residents of Chaiten, 661 miles south of Santiago, and two other towns have been evacuated since the volcano started spewing ash on May 2, La Tercera reported. Evacuation of the village of Futaleufu, 45 miles to the south, is still voluntary, a government spokesman, Francisco Vidal, said.

Chaiten last erupted about 9,000 years ago, NASA said on its Web site.