Donate
Environment

Five stunning photos that capture the destructive power and stunning beauty of the Calbuco volcano

Calbuco erupting

The eruption of the Calbuco volcano in Chile presented amazing scenes, like this one, in the nearby town of Puerto Montt.

Courtesy of Jorge Zavala

The eruption of Calbuco volcano in Chile this week has forced airlines to cancel flight and upended the lives of thousands people who live in the area and have been evacuated.

Disaster relief efforts, including water supplies, are being sent to the area. Fortunately, there have been no reports of deaths or serious injuries.

According to Chilean officials, the volcano is expected to erupt at least once more — on top of the two eruptions already — suggesting we'll see more of the beautiful photos like the ones below.

Calbuco erupting
The Calbuco volcano in Chile has erupted twice so far, producing dazzling skies in the nearby town of Puerto Montt.Courtesy of Jorge Zavala
Calbuco erupting
That towering mushroom cloud in the distance, seen from Puerto Montt, Chile, is one of the eruptions of the Calbuco volcano. A third eruption is predicted.Courtesy of Jorge Zavala
Calbuco's skies
The sudden eruption of Calbuco volcano, near Puerto Montt, Chile, produced volcanic lightning and stunning skies from the ash it belched out. But that ash has complicated aviation across the area.Courtesy of Jorge Zavala
Calbuco errupting
Residents of Puerto Montt, Chile, have been treated to a spectacle in their skies as the Calbuco volcano errupted this week.Courtesy of Jorge Zavala
Will you support The World today?

The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. If you’ve been thinking about making a donation, this is the best time to do it. Your support will get our fundraiser off to a solid start and help keep our newsroom on strong footing. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!