This uplift has been a cause of concern in light of the history of explosive activity of the volcanic field, with 50eruptions in the last 20,000 years; the current uplift may be the prelude of a large rhyolitic eruption. In particular, the scarce fumarolic activity implies that a large amount of gas is trapped within the magma reservoir, increasing the hazard of an explosive eruption. It is not clear if such an eruption would fit the pattern set by Holocene eruptions or would be a larger event. The prospect of renewed volcanic activity at Laguna del Maule has caused concern among the authorities and inhabitants of the region. A major eruption would have a serious impact on Argentina and Chile, including the formation of lava domes, lava flows, pyroclastic flows near the lake, ash fall at larger distances and lahars. The international road across Paso Pehuenche and air traffic in the region could be endangered by renewed eruptions. Laguna del Maule is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes of the Southern Andean volcanic belt. In March 2013, the Southern Andean Volcano Observatory declared a yellow alert for the volcano in light of the deformation and earthquake activity; the alert was supplemented afterwards with an early warning (withdrawn in January 2017). The Chilean National Geology and Mining Service monitors the volcano and a preliminary hazard map has been published.