Chaitén

Chaitén (/tʃaɪˈtɛn/, chy-TEN) is a Chilean town, commune and former capital of the Palena Province in Los Lagos Region.

[3][4] The eruption, which commenced May 2, became more violent on May 5,[5] throwing up a high plume of ash and sulfurous steam that rose to 19 miles (31 km), from which ashfall drifted across Patagonia and over the Atlantic Ocean.

[7] The town was completely flooded on May 12, 2008, after a lahar caused the banks of the Blanco River to overflow about 200 m (660 ft) on each side.

Some defensive work has been undertaken by the government, but they ultimately decided to abandon the town, relocating and compensating all residents.

On February 25, 2009, the government announced plans to rebuild Chaitén 10 km (6.2 mi) north of its current location in a coastal place known as Santa Bárbara or "Fandango Norte".

The river's new course shown in the center of the image. North is to the left.
Following the eruption of the Chaitén volcano , a lahar destroyed much of the town of Chaitén.