Amazing Disappearance of Dragon’s Hill

Iquique, Chile – On the morning of October 4^th, 2007 the city of Iquique woke up without one of its biggest symbols, the amazing Dragon’s Hill. This surprising and inexplicable disappearance has caused great commotion among the community and huge chaos since the entire area has been evacuated and hundreds of families were left without their homes. There is no doubt that this day will forever remain in the mind of every citizen.

Every morning Mrs. Rosa Ramos, who lives at the foot of the Dragon’s Hill, leaves home for her work in Alto Hospicio. But the morning of October 4^th, 2007 was a different morning, “I couldn’t believe it. I thought that I was looking in the wrong direction, but then I realized that it was not there.” These are the words of maybe the first person to witness the event.

The Center of Archeology and Seismology of Mexico was called by Chilean authorities to investigate the strange phenomenon. Until now the possible causes that are being discussed aim at a weakness of the soil that supports the hill due to an underground water formation or possibly by an accumulation of energy because of prior earthquakes that have affected the northern part of Chile. In any case, it is certain that the hill was completely swallowed without leaving any evidence.

The group of specialists arrived at Diego Aracena Airport yesterday at noon and talked to us in an exclusive interview. Dr. Miguel Fuentealba, archeologist, affirms that this event has never occurred before in any other place in the world, “There is no doubt that the Dragon’s Hill has been a central character in the history of the city because it has been in Iquique for more than a hundred years. It’s a place where generations have enjoyed and lived a comfortable life. We will certainly find out what really happened.”

Dr. Guadalupe Ferreira, seismologist, also spoke to us and emphasized the fact that “citizens must be calm because this is an isolated phenomenon possibly caused by a weakness of the subterranean plates in that specific zone. Therefore, it is impossible for the weakness to expand and cause other areas of the city to collapse.”

The city mayor spoke last night and banned the access to the Dragon’s Hill and its surrounding areas until the investigation ends, “The experts will be in Iquique as long as necessary to establish the cause of the event and they will also attend a conference that will take place tomorrow at 10am in the Terrado Suites Hotel to clarify doubts and to explain important aspects related to the investigation process.” Before finishing the interview, the mayor also talked about families who lost their houses and are asking for help, “I am very concerned about the people who lost everything; I promise that there will be a solution for all of them. All I ask them is patience.”

By Rose Marie Kuschel R.