Chile raises Villarrica volcano alert to Yellow as lava lake rises

Chile's Sernageomin raised the alert level for Villarrica volcano to Yellow after detecting a rise of the lava lake to the surface, prompting Senapred to issue an Early Preventive Alert for four communes in La Araucanía and Los Ríos. The change signals increased volcanic activity but not an imminent eruption; monitoring continues. This matters as Villarrica is one of South America's most active volcanoes and a major tourist and population center.