The eruption of the Puyehue Volcano in Chile is making the news mainly because of the problems caused to air traffic across the south Pacific. What is less well publicised, however, is the effect felt by people living nearer to the volcano.

The city of Bariloche in Argentina, for instance, is in a state of emergency as the constant fall of ash causes health difficulties and structural problems. Captain Victor Tasori, the Salvation Army officer in charge of Bariloche Corps (church), reports that there is a need for face masks, eye drops, water, mattresses and blankets. Zinc and plastic sheeting are also required to repair roofing that has collapsed due to the weight of the ash.

An initial sum of US$7,000 has been provided by International Emergency Services to purchase emergency supplies, which will be distributed by Captain Tasori and Salvationists from his corps. As the volcano is still erupting, it is not yet clear what will happen in the next few weeks but the captain and his team will continue to provide whatever help they can.