As a result of the eruption, fish are dying because of volcanic ash in the water and pastures are now barren.
Due to the dangerous environments, cattle and sheep have been evacuated from Los Lagos – the region that produces most of the country’s milk. Last year it produced about 950 million litres of milk worth upwards of $346 million.
Chile, one of the world’s top salmon producers, is estimated to have lost about 20 million fish and more than 45,000 animals are still in danger because they are eating plants and drinking water that are contaminated with volcanic ash. The cloud of ash in the sky could also prevent sunlight from hitting the remaining crops.
Experts close to the situation estimate it could take more than a year for soil in the area to recover from the damage.
Calbuco came to life last Wednesday after 43 years of silence. The initial blast was about 11 miles high before another eruption took place, causing the evacuation of about 4,500 people. Ensenada, located about 10 miles from the volcano’s peak, is being described as a ghost town.
In 2013, the USA imported $2.9 billion worth of agricultural products from Chile. The leading imported goods were fresh fruit, planting seeds, wine and beer, and processed fruit and vegetables.
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An erupting volcano