Santiago - The Chaiten volcano in southern Chile still has enough magma for further eruptions, an expert from the National Geology and Mining Service reported Wednesday.

"This is not going to end soon," volcano expert Luis Lara told Radio ADN.

The geologist noted that the worst-case scenario would be that the gas and particles in the Chaiten's eruptive column fall from their own weight and create "an avalanche of particles that runs through the valleys devastating everything."

The scientist - who confirmed that damage to the area's vegetation and fauna will last years - stressed that the stationary state of the cloud of ash Wednesday would not last long.

The disaster area some 1,000 kilometres south of the Chilean capital, Santiago, was under the control of the Chilean Armed Forces Wednesday. Some 5,000 people have been evacuated since volcanic activity started Friday.

Military airplanes and helicopters were constantly flying over the Patagonian forests, glaciers and villages, and watching 23 peasants who have refused to leave their land.

The government of Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has promised aid to people affected by the volcanic eruption.

Authorities fear that rain, which is common in the area may mix with ash to make a "natural cement." Meteorologists in Chile were expecting rain on Wednesday.

Over 1,000 metres high, Chaiten had been inactive for more than 400 years before it erupted on Friday spewing ash into the atmosphere, covering nearby villages and forests. (dpa)