The Villarrica volcano in southern Chile erupted in the early hours of Tuesday morning, spewing lava and ash up to 1,000 meters in the air (3,300 feet). The 2840m-high towering volcano is an active volcano with a lava lake in its crater, and is considered a popular attractions among hikers.

Image credits: Reddit user schmick.

Authorities have issued a warning and evacuated over 2,000 people, but other tens of thousands of people live nearby and are advised to take care. Despite being one of the most active volcanoes in the area, Villarica had not erupted since April 2010.

Image via BBC.

Over 200 people have been killed by the volcano in the 20th century, but thankfully, it seems like there are no casualties this time.

UPDATE: Pucon Mayor Carlos Parra (one of the nearby evacuated villages) said that after 20 minutes, the volcano’s activity seemed to have calmed down again.

“There’s no ash, no lava flow, the volcano is totally passive at the moment,” he said.

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