About 3,500 people have been evacuated on Monday, including tourists, said Interior and Security Minister Rodrigo Penailillo. The eruption had caused numerous rivers in the area to rise as snow along the sides of the volcano began melting. Mudslides and even snow melts could be a danger for four nearby communities. President Michelle Bachelet announced that she will travel to the volcano-hit area to check on safety preparations. This is a touristic area, which is known for outdoor activities like kayaking, horseback riding, fishing and hiking around the volcano. The Villarrica volcano has periodic eruptions every 10 or 15 years.
