Recently, a significant upsurge in seismic activity was reported at the Laguna del Maule volcanic field, situated in central Chile, where 160 earthquakes struck in just two hours. This occurrence serves as a reminder of the volcanic complex’s potential for activity, emphasizing its status as an active geological site, particularly since it is located about 300 kilometers south of Santiago and near the Argentine border.

The Laguna del Maule area spans 500 square kilometers, featuring a diverse landscape of volcanic domes, lava flows, and approximately 130 vents. Despite the considerable number of quakes, Chile's National Geology and Mining Service, known as Sernageomin, has categorized the situation as a green alert, indicating that there is no immediate threat to the surrounding communities due to the quakes' low magnitudes.

The seismic event highlights the volcano's underlying activity, with geologist Ayaz Alam noting that the movements suggest the presence of magma, which could potentially lead to a moderate-sized eruption in the future. Even though such findings indicate the volcano's active state, Alam pointed out the unpredictability of eruption timing remains a significant challenge.

Alam also distinguished these volcanic tremors from those commonly associated with tectonic faults, attributing the quakes instead to the magma’s movement. In response to the developments, the Chilean disaster agency Senapred has reaffirmed its dedication to monitoring the situation, working alongside regional authorities to ensure preparedness for any possible emergencies.

The largest recorded quake during the recent activity reached a magnitude of 2.1. Experts note that the Laguna del Maule volcanic field, which boasts various volcanic structures formed recently—some within the last 2,000 years—poses notable risks. Geophysicist Daniel Diaz emphasized that this system is characterized by its multiple volcanic forms surrounding the lake rather than being centered on a single structure.

Academics and experts classify Laguna del Maule as one of the most perilous volcanoes within the Southern Andean volcanic belt, while it ranks as Argentina's third most hazardous volcano. This ongoing situation reinforces the importance of continuous observation in this volatile region.