A volcano in southern Chile began erupting early today forcing the evacuation of some 3,000 people in nearby villages, the government said.
The Villarrica volcano, one of Chile's most active, began erupting around 3:00 am (0600 GMT), prompting authorities to declare a red alert and cancel classes in schools, the National Emergency Office said.
As sirens sounded, Chilean TV footage showed lava spilling from the volcano about 800 km (500 miles) south of the capital Santiago.
But hours later it seemed to have calmed down, with no visible signs of eruption. Still, President Michelle Bachelet appealed for calm and authorities blocked roads leading to the area around the volcano, which is about 2,800 meters high.
Worst Volcanic Activity In 50 Years In Iceland After Major Volcano Eruption Train Driver Convicted Over Spain's Worst Crash In Decades That Killed 79 Chile Man, Mistakenly Paid 330 Times His Salary, Vanishes Without A Trace 9 Dead, 2,800 Hurt As Pagers Explode Across Lebanon, Hezbollah Blames Israel 3 Grams Of Explosives Per Pager: Israel's Complex Op To Hurt Hezbollah "Wear Proper Undergarments": Delta Airlines' New Memo For Flight Attendants Video: Brazil Mayoral Candidate Attacks Opponent With Chair On Live TV 3 Grams Of Explosives Per Pager: Israel's Complex Op To Hurt Hezbollah Chandigarh Court's Notice To Kangana Ranaut Over 'Emergency' Controversy Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.