SANTIAGO.- Just minutes ago, Chilean police in charge of order and security for the people of Chaitén gave a final, mandatory evacuation order to the last dozen residents and journalists remaining in the zone.
Police will drive those without vehicles, as well as members of the press, to Puerto Cardenas, while those who have a car will be leaving on their own.
According to Bío Bío radio, there are still some seven people remaining in Puerto Cárdenas, which is located right on the edge of the designated danger zone. One of the people in Puerto Cárdenas is a woman who walked to the town after fleeing Chaitén on foot, along with her dog.
The final measure completes the government order calling for a total evacuation of the area (which is located a mere 10 kilometers from the volcano) after the mountain registered a sharp increase in volcanic activity this morning.