Navy: "There are still people who refuse to leave the zone"

SANTIAGO.- The commander of the Naval district of Chiloe, Pablo Müller, who was in charge of the operation to evacuate the residents of Chaiten has said that there are still residents who refuse to leave the area, despite yesterday’s two violent eruptions and the fact that the government had ordered an evacuation of all people within a 50 kilometer radius of the volcano.

Müller also pointed out the speed, solemnity and professionalism with which the volcanic emergency has been handled.  “The units have been working from sun up to sun down with extraordinary efficiency and dedication in the deployment of tasks, working with only of the people of Chaiten in mind”, he asserted.

The task was undoubtedly not an easy one.  In less than 24 hours, officials managed to evacuate close to 24 thousand people with the help of military privates, a detail the commander was quick to recognize.

Concerning the number of residents remaining in Chaiten, Müller reported that a large part of the population has left the town.