Argentine towns suffer under falling volcanic ash (AP)

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – The government of one province in Argentina declared an economic emergency on Thursday to aid towns where falling ash from Chile's erupting volcano is endangering livestock and keeping tourists away.

The emergency in Neuquen province follows a similar measure by the national government in other parts of Patagonia where agriculture has been hit by accumulating volcanic ash.

The decree by Gov. Jorge Sapag will mean that those affected can receive tax benefits, among other measures.

Chile's Cordon Caulle volcano began erupting June 4, spewing ash that has disrupted flights in countries ranging from Uruguay to Australia.

The ash has also blanketed towns across the border in Argentina. In the area of Villa La Angostura, located 24 miles (38 kilometers) from the volcano, up to one foot (30 centimeters) of ash has accumulated on the ground.

The ash has made it difficult to drive safely on roads, and the eruption came just as resorts in the mountain towns were preparing for ski season.

"Today we can't anticipate the season's final results, but we can say that this has ruined the start of the winter season in the coming days," said Roberto Alonso, mayor of Villa La Angostura.

Residents in the town have been working to clean up the ash, said Alejandro Curiluck, a business owner in Villa La Angostura. "In 15 days we should be operating. The big problem is that the volcano keeps sending up ashes," he said.

Satellite images on Thursday showed the main ash cloud from the erupting volcano stretching about 900 miles (1,400 kilometers) toward the east-southeast, Chile's National Geology and Mines Service said in a statement.

"The eruption process continues and it's possible that an increase in activity could occur again, with episodes similar or greater in intensity than those that have occurred so far," the agency said.

The ashes are causing problems for Argentine farmers whose sheep herds are now roaming in pastures covered with ash.

According to official figures, there are more than 2 million sheep in Patagonia, of which more than half are affected by the ash.

In response, Argentina's Agriculture Ministry declared an emergency on Wednesday in the provinces of Chubut, Rio Negro y Neuquen.

Regional airports in Patagonia have also been shut down for more than a week due to the cloud of fine grit, which can damage airplane engines.

Buenos Aires' main airports reopened on Wednesday and international flights were operating again.

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British tourist honored for catching falling child

Helen Beard caught a child who fell from the fourth-floor balcony of an Orlando, Florida, hotel. STORY HIGHLIGHTSHelen Beard is given a "Medal of Merit" by government and business leadersThe tourist from England caught Jah-Nea Myles as she fell from a fourth-story balconyBeard's "quick-thinking and heroic actions" are credited with saving the child's life (CNN) -- The British tourist who caught a 1-year-old child who fell from the fourth-floor balcony of an Orlando, Florida, hotel was honored by government and business leaders Friday.

Officials credit Helen Beard's quick thinking with saving Jah-Nea Myles' life. Beard was in the pool area of the Econo Lodge Inn and Suites around 9:15 Thursday evening when, after hearing horrific screams, she looked up to see a small child hanging from a hotel balcony.

"We heard shouts and I turned around," said Beard, 44, a mother who was on vacation with her partner, Philip Charlesworth, and her 10-year-old son, Ben. "I was able to run over and catch Jah-Nea," she said.

Beard said it appeared the girl slipped through a railing along the balcony walkway, deputies told CNN affiliate WKMG.

Just hours later, Beard, a health services analyst, was honored for her "heroic actions." She was given a "Medal of Merit" by the Orange County Sheriff's Department, the International Drive Chamber of Commerce and the state Department of Children and Families for showing "unusual instinct and initiative" when she leaped into action.

"It all happened so fast," said Beard, who was still shocked by all the attention. "I just sat with her and tried to calm her down while everyone was panicking around me."

Helena Myles, the child's mother, said she left her daughter with a friend in a motel room, according to WKMG. The friend, Dominique Holt, said he went to use the bathroom and then found the hotel room door open after hearing screams, the sheriff's office said.

A woman who was in the hotel room with Holt said she didn't know the child was there, according to deputies.

No charges have been filed in the case.

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