MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Volcano victims complain of price gaugin

Chilean government spokesperson Francisco Vidal on Thursday disclosed an increased relief package for victims of the ongoing Chaitén Volcano eruptions. The announcement comes in response to allegations that Puerto Montt residents have been overcharging displaced Chaitén residents for rent.

"The rent prices have risen significantly," Vidal said. "Consequently, our solution is that, started yestarday, the Regional Governor's office will make available funds for both rent and the security deposits." The Chaitén's eruption, its first in recorded history, released a massive billow of ash that was visible as far away as Puerto Montt, some 200 kilometers to the north. Volcanic soot began to rain down, blanketing Chaitén, Futaleufú and other area towns and contaminating local water supplies. Futaleufú is located approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Chaitén. Within days, more than 12,000 area residents had been evacuated, mostly to Castro on the Island of Chiloé or to Puerto Montt. The Agriculture Ministry initiated plans to rescue most of the 40,000 cows, sheep, and other livestock in nearby towns. Government spokesman Francisco Vidal announced earlier this week a government relief package which included payouts amounting up to US$1,057 per family. He said the funds were aimed at mitigating costs related to moving expenses, rent, food, and basic services. Still, displaced residents claimed on Wednesday and Thursday that since their arrival to Puerto Montt, the average monthly rents have shot up to Ch$180,000 pesos (US$400). In addition, property owners are demanding up front security deposits ranging as high as Ch$360,000 (US$800). "We cannot continue on in these shelters. We want to be with out families and have a little privacy," said José Gallardo, a spokesperson for the displaced residents. "But the money being given to us by the government is not enough." Meanwhile, President Michelle Bachelet announced that Chaitén and surrounding areas will remain off-limits to their residents for at least the next three months. Government officials are concerned that a stream of volcanic debris propelled into the air by the constant eruptions may eventually fall on the surrounding area. Adding insult to injury, severe flooding has also hit the area around Chaitén in recent days. Local officials say ash from the volcano has brought about increased snow melt, causing local rivers to flood their banks. Region X Governor Sergio Galilea told reporters on Thursday that flood waters ravaging parts of Chaitén have receded somewhat, but that up to 90 percent of the city's homes were submerged in mud. The Santiago Times