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 more flights. Calbuco had another spectacular outburst early Thursday lightning crackling through a dark sky lit orangish red by the explosion. No injuries were reported and the only missing person since the eruption was found on Thursday. Authorities evacuated 4,000 people as gas and ash continued to spew, and they closed access to the area around the volcano.
I was shocked. I had just arrived home when I looked through the window and saw the column of smoke rising up. We called our families, posted photos.
Daniel Palma, 30, a psychologist who lives in Puerto Varas