(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) The Villarrica volcano in southern Chile erupted Tuesday, prompting the evacuations of about 3,600 nearby residents, dpa reported.
The 2,847-metre peak spewed tons of lava and ash up to 3 kilometres into the sky, the Emol news site reported, citing the government's National Geology and Mining Service.
President Michelle Bachelet flew over the volcano, 760 kilometres south of Santiago, after an emergency cabinet meeting, and school was cancelled in the cities of Villarrica and Pucon.
Francisco Huenchumilla, governor of the Araucania region, said the eruption has so far caused no deaths.
Villarrica is one of Chile's most active volcanoes and is a tourist attraction. It had last erupted in 2000 and 1984.
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