Argentine towns suffer under falling volcanic ash

The government of one province in Argentina has declared an economic emergency to aid towns where falling ash from Chile's erupting volcano is endangering livestock and keeping tourists away. The emergency in Neuquen province follows a similar measure by the national government in other parts of Patagonia where agriculture has been hit by accumulating volcanic ash. The decree by Governor Jorge Sapag will mean those affected can receive tax benefits, among other measures. Chile's Cordon Caulle volcano began erupting on June 4, spewing ash and disrupting flights from Uruguay to Australia. The ash has also blanketed towns across the border in Argentina. In the area of Villa La Angostura, 38km from the volcano, up to one foot of ash has accumulated on the ground. The ash has made it difficult to drive safely on roads, and the eruption came just as resorts in the mountain towns were preparing for ski season. "Today we can't anticipate the season's final results, but we can say that this has ruined the start of the winter season in the coming days," said Roberto Alonso, mayor of Villa La Angostura. Residents have been working to clean up the ash, said Alejandro Curiluck, a business owner in Villa La Angostura. "In 15 days we should be operating. The big problem is that the volcano keeps sending up ashes," he said. Satellite images show the main ash cloud from the volcano stretching 1,400km toward the east-southeast, Chil's National Geology and Mines Service said. From / Gulf News