Chaitén

Chaitén is a delightful little Patagonian town of around 3,000 inhabitants. It was devastated by the eruption of the Chaitén Volcano in May 2008. Some 15 years later visible signs of the destruction are the various channels of debris left from the volcanic ash and trees destroyed, as well as poor or abandoned and derelict houses. Along the main road of the town debris has been removed and a pretty promenade rebuilt. Downtown Chaitén is a normal bustling business area.  However, as the main photo shows, as a result of the accumulation of debris along the shore, Chaiten’s coastline shifted about 1km out to sea and the beach appears to be a gigantic wasteland. 

A further impact of the volcanic eruption was that the Blanco river now runs straight through the middle of Chaitén. The town was totally evacuated but most residents returned and tell you with pride how it literally emerged from the ashes. 

- signs around the town indicate evacuation routes in case of volcanic eruption
- glimpses of Chaitén houses