If you pay any attention to the news, it would seem that Mother Nature is quite upset about something lately. With record-breaking, extreme temperatures, insane winds, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, there’s enough evidence to make all those doomsday preppers feel more than justified in their seemingly psychotic preparatory actions.
In April of 2015, the Calbuco Volcano in Chile unleashed its fury. Before this, the last major eruption was back in 1961. The Chilean military and police had evacuated 4,400 people from a 12 mile exclusionary zone around the crater. This may seem a little extreme, but with volcanic debris piling up to almost 2 feet high in some areas, this proves to be a very necessary precaution to ensure the public’s safety. Ash had been reported spewing 12,000 ft into the atmosphere and had spread all the way to Argentina with the second eruption. Volcanic flow had even caused rising water levels in the Rio Blanco. Take a moment to view these amazing photos of the destructive power, awe-inspiring beauty and extreme danger created by these enormous eruptions.
Absolute beauty and power. It’s hard to believe these pictures are real.
Erupting lava, smoke, and an amazing lighting display.
The lava is being launched incredibly high into the Chilean sky.
These images are absolutely out of this world.
Look at the lightning casting light onto the plumes of smoke. This really adds some depth to the photo.
Absolutely beautiful. You don’t come across images like these everyday.
I can only assume how terrifying it must be to see this awesome display of natures power in person.
I guess all you can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best in a situation like this.
The people of Chile hope they have seen the worst.
This must have been a very long and terrifying night.
Smoke and ash billowed to amazing heights of approximately 12,000 feet into the sky.
This cloud could be seen for miles and miles.
The people of Chile seemed to be bravely going about their business while the earth spews volcanic lava and ash into the sky.
Here we have an ariel view of the smoldering Calbuco volcano.
Another aerial photograph of the bellowing smoke and ash.
From far away, you can only imagine the disaster that lies on the horizon.
The volcano’s heat and pressure make for an incredible display behind the city.
That power, coupled with the winds, carried ash all the way to Argentina during the second eruption.
Here you can see the difference between the smoke and steam.
More smoke and steam with a helicopter in the shot surveying the area for immediate emergencies.
The smoke has seemed to slow, but the mountainside has been set ablaze from the molten lava.
The hazy view of the city made it appear as if the city was frosted with a mild winter storm.
The ash looks like frost and snow covering everything in this park.
Police re-opening areas to the public.
In the ash covered streets, you had to cover your mouth and nose to prevent inhalation of the polluted air.
Chilean residents attempted to clear the ash and soot from their rooftops.
The landscape of this ravine had definitely been permanently altered.
The overflowing river diverted water and debris, washing out the riverbanks.
Overflowing waters had completely destroyed this building.
More damage from the powerful waters that have flooded as a result of the volcanic disturbance.
Check Out The Video Of The Calbuco Volcano Eruption:
Source: CNN
It is absolutely heart wrenching to think about the hardships faced by the Chilean people affected in this disaster. You have to admit, though, there is an awe-inspiring beauty associated with some of the pictures of the Calbuco volcano. It really gives you a sense of respect and reverence for the amazing power of the forces of nature.