The Chaiten volcano eruption in southern Chile keeps the authorities on high alert. The immense quantities of lava blasted a dozen miles into the air determined the government to demand an immediate and complete evacuation on a 30-mile radius.

The authorities had their hands full with some of the locals, who were determined to remain in order to look after their homes and animals.

The gigantic mushroom cloud of ash is visible from 100 miles away and as the east winds spread the ash toward Argentina, people become more and more agitated and concerned.

President Michelle Bachelet joined the authorities in the front line on Monday in order to assist the rescue efforts and she also promised subsidies for the affected families. After the first assessments were finished, an emergency committee was organized yesterday with the participation of government ministers, emergency agency representatives, the director of the police force and regional officials in order to decide on the best future activities.

“The situation is rather complicated. The volcano continues erupting, and we don’t know how long this will last. It could be a day, a week or more.” said Interior Minister Edmundo Pérez, according to the New York Times.

Since its eruption last Friday, the volcano managed to cover with ash close to 60 square miles, made the air in the area unbreathable, destroyed all the agriculture lands and contaminated the water resources. Around 25,000 head of cattle and sheep are expected to die if no solution for their immediate evacuation will be found.