Ash from Chaiten could reach skies of Buenos Aires

BUENOS AIRES.- Ash being emitted from the Chaiten volcano, which has been affecting the southern regions of Chile and Argentina, could reach the province of Buenos Aires (the neighboring country’s most populated province) today.

In addition, the natural phenomenon has forced classes to be cancelled for the second day in a row within several areas in the Argentine Patagonia, where residents again awoke to a scene reminiscent of a recent snowfall.

Until now, the volcanic ash has only fallen in the southern province of Chubut, however the National Meteorological Service has forecasted that today the ash could reach the neighboring Rio Negro area, as well as the southern part of Buenos Aires, due to a change in the direction of the wind.

The areas most stricken by falling ash are Trelew, Esquel and Corcovado, which collectively are home to some 70,000 residents in the eastern part of the Argentine province of Chubut.

Neighbors of the city of Puerto Madryn, located on the Atlantic coast, have also been affected by the phenomenon.