World Map › Major Eruptions › Villarrica Volcano 1949
Historic Eruption
1949 Eruption of Villarrica Volcano
1 January 1949 · Stratovolcano · Chile
On 1 January 1949, Villarrica Volcano in Chile erupted. The volcano rises to 2,847 m. Its Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is 3 out of 8, that of a severe eruption ejecting more than 10 million m³ of material. It killed at least 54 people. Most deaths were caused by lahars (volcanic mudflows).
- Date
- 1 January 1949
- Volcano
- Villarrica Volcano
- Volcano Type
- Stratovolcano
- Elevation
- 2,847 m
- Country
- Chile
- Explosivity Index (VEI)
- 3 out of 8
- Deaths
- 54
- Estimated Damage
- 1 to 5 million US dollars
- Main Causes of Death
- Lahars
Other Significant Eruptions of Villarrica Volcano
- 1971October 1971 Eruption · VEI 2 · Lahars15 deaths
- 1964March 1964 Eruption · VEI 2 · Lahars25 deaths
- 1963May 1963 Eruption · VEI 2 · Lahars
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database (doi:10.7289/V5JW8BSH) · Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program