U.S. Embassy Issues Volcano Warning for Argentina, Chile

The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires issued the following warning Friday:

This message is being issued to inform American citizens residing in or traveling to Argentina of conditions in Argentina related to a volcanic eruption in Chile.

On May 2 the Chaitén Volcano in southern Chile erupted sending a plume of ash and steam 35,000 to 55,000 feet into the atmosphere. The eruption's thick column of ash and smoke is moving east across the Patagonia Region of Argentina to the Atlantic Ocean. Media reports indicate that the ash cloud is fast moving and could reach Buenos Aires.

So far, Chubut Province, which includes the popular tourist attraction Peninsula Valdez, has been most affected by the ash. Provincial civil defense authorities post regular updates on conditions in Spanish at the following web site: http://www.chubut.gov.ar/dgdc/. Information in English may be obtained from the American Embassy’s web site at http://argentina.usembassy.gov.

Because of the ash fall and flight patterns through the affected areas, some airlines have cancelled flights, including some flights in and out of Buenos Aires on May 8. People with flight reservations are advised to check with their respective airlines to see if they can expect cancellations or delays.

Ash in the atmosphere can present health risks. If you have a respiratory ailment, special care should be taken to avoid contact with ash. Monitor local media for public health advisory notices.

The State Department offers the following tips for travelers in areas affected by volcanic eruptions:

* Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid skin irritation.
* Use goggles to protect your eyes.
* Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help breathing.
* Avoid driving as ash can clog engines and cause cars to stall.
* Clear roofs of ash as it is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse.

Americans living or traveling in Argentina are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires through the Embassy web site http://argentina.usembassy.gov.

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