The National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin) responded to observations from the Regional Comptroller's Office of La Araucanía regarding deficiencies in monitoring Volcán Villarrica, assuring that surveillance and alerts are unaffected. The agency highlights that the volcano has over 30 operational teams and an online network for real-time data. The Comptroller identified 597 unused teams and outdated emergency plans.
The Regional Comptroller's Office of La Araucanía issued Final Report No. 408, detecting deficiencies in the Southern Andes Volcanological Observatory (OVDAS), under Sernageomin. Key findings included 597 monitoring teams unused in a Temuco warehouse, comprising critical instruments for detecting surface deformations on the volcano, some acquired over 12 years ago. "This situation implies weak management of public resources, as well as a risk of patrimonial loss and technological obsolescence, affecting preventive capacity in emergencies," stated the Comptroller.
The report also noted over 15,000 buildings in high volcanic risk zones without adherence to urban planning regulations. In the rural Chaillupén sector, 491 structures lack coverage for alerts from the Emergency Alert System (SAE), with 130 in high-danger areas. Irregularities in evacuation plans were found, including a Temporary Meeting Point (PET) in a lava and lahar risk zone, lack of signage at five sites, and physical barriers at five others.
Sernageomin countered these criticisms, stating that Volcán Villarrica, ranked as Chile's highest-risk volcano, has the country's top instrumentation level. "The Volcán Villarrica... is the volcanic massif with the highest level of instrumentation among all currently monitored systems in the country," they detailed. The network features over 30 operational seismic, geodetic, and geochemical teams, with continuous data transmission and 24/7 satellite analysis. Regarding stored equipment, 85% are critical spares or for maintenance, and under 15% are non-primary complementary sensors. "The technical monitoring capacity and issuance of early alerts are not, nor have been, compromised".
The Comptroller initiated a reparo for 5.55 UF and $42,846,991 due to monitoring contract irregularities, demanding disciplinary procedures. Sernageomin announced a modernization process for 2026. Updates to emergency plans and improved alert coverage are urged.
