Volcan Chaiten | Patagonia Chile

Volcanic eruption | Chaiten Patagonia
Chaitén, in southern Chilean Patagonia, is one of the most remote

areas of Chile. Until recently, the only way to get there was by boat, which takes 12 hours to arrive and only once a week, or up to once a month in winter weather permitting.

Chaitén was hit by a series of volcanic eruptions in February 2008. Hours before the volcanic eruption succumbed to an avalanche of ash and volcanic material that engulfed most of the town, the military forcibly evacuated the people, forcing them to leave all their belongings behind. This action saved the lives of more than 400 people.

The images show the unique nature between beauty and tragedy represented by loneliness, isolation and its impact on the lives of people in one of the southernmost regions of the world. We follow a people through the destroyed, but also romantic landscapes and see this as a contribution to the understanding of a people who refuse to leave their land. As a former resident, I feel a great need to represent this part of my identity as well.

The ship from Puerto Montt to Chaitén generally sails overnight. If there are no storms, the trip is safe, but if the sea turns rough it is necessary to sink in an island along the way to wait.
At dawn, the first rays of the sun suggest that the port is already close.

trees, rocks and volcanic material rolled from the mountain and the forest into the center of the village. Many houses were washed away by this avalanche until they were lost in the ocean. Others were buried forever.

the overflowing of the river caused it to cross the town destroying everything in its path.
many of the houses were buried in the ashes or washed out to sea

Many parts of the town were buried under the ashes

My family business is a hotel, which is located on a small hill, allowed it to be saved from the collapse. However, after the eruption, my family had to abandon it and take refuge on the island in front (Chiloé) for a few years.

People had to leave their homes leaving all their belongings behind. Soon after leaving, moss and plants began to grow on the ashes.

440d97_795c947c8c774ccc8f404c19e3cb9a34~mv2_d_3888_2592_s_4_2.jpg

The river next to the town overflowed and crossed the town along with the avalanche of volcanic sediment. It not only dragged houses but also destroyed a large part of the school.

On the facade of this house you can read "I love Chaitén, I'll be back." After the disaster the area was declared inhospitable and people were unable to return to their homes for years.

The volcanic material that entered this house left only a space of one and a half meters between the ash and the ceiling. It is possible to see the moss that has grown on it.

One of the typical foods of Patagonia is "curanto". This community ritual consists of digging a huge hole in the ground, setting a fire and then on the charcoal and hot stones all kinds of seafood, meat and preparations made from potatoes are thrown. Then all this is covered with Nalca leaves, a typical plant of the area and the food is cooked underground between steam and smoke.

once the curanto food is cooked, everyone helps to uncover the hole and collect the food

The coast of Chaitén, facing the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by several islands, presents a variety of impressive migratory birds.

The rays of dawn draw the silhouette of the fumarole of the Chaitén volcano from the boat that travels towards Puerto Montt.

The town of Chaitén is surrounded by volcanoes, although not all of them are active. The peak that can be seen in the background is the Corcobado Volcano.

The forests in this part of Chilean Patagonia are of the rainy type. Ancient forests, cold jungle, protected by the Pumalin Park.