Southern Chile volcano erupts with renewed strength

Chile, S.A.
Image: Chaiten, a column of volcanic ash rose 20 miles high

Story: The Chaiten volcano in southern Chile has erupted with renewed strength, belching thick clouds of ash and hurling molten rocks into the air. The volcano first began to erupt in May after lying dormant for centuries. "There has been an increase in the volcano's activity." Witnesses reported seeing two new craters, and of seeing "significant gas emanations and volcanic material" coming from the volcano. The National Service of Geology and Mining said it registered 15 low-level earthquakes early Thursday in the volcano area. Since the volcano had calmed down in the past weeks officials were hoping to let evacuees return to recover their belongings - but that plan was put on hold "until we are certain that this increased activity is something temporary."