Chaiten Case Study

Question 1

What was the nature of volcanic hazard?

Answer 1

1. Eruption occurred from 2nd to 8th of May 2008.
2. Plume of ash column peaked 30 km in height.
3. Ash column collapsed and produced thick ash falls that were 15 cm deep
4. Intense rainfall mixed with ash produced lahars that flooded the nearby villages

Question 2

Impacts of event were…

Answer 2

1. 1 death in total
2. Farm animals were killed by ash.
3. 30% of Chaitèn was completely destroyed.
4. Closure of Chaitèn Airport.
5. Ash layered and contaminated the reservoirs.

Question 3

What were the management strategies?

Answer 3

1. Previously classified as low threat before 2008.
2. USGS Team arrived in May 16, 14 days after.
3. Residents were educated on eruption procedures.
4. Real-time monitoring with forecasts and interpretation in May 17.
5. Hazard Mapping and land-use planning. Government ordered 50km exclusion zone around the town.
6. People were told not to drink the water and face masks were