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Apocalyptical images of a volcanic eruption have emerged from Chile, from the Villarrica volcano in the south of the country which re-erupted on Tuesday.
A band of cloud had wrapped itself around the peak as lava spewed into the air, giving the entire landscape an eerie blood-red glow.
Villarrica, located near the popular tourist resort of Pucon around 750 km (460 miles) south of the capital Santiago, is among the most active in South America.
On March 3 a short-lived eruption of ash and rock led to the evacuation of thousands from the nearby area.
A large plume of dark gray smoke and ash rose from the crater, prompting authorities to evacuate a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius around the volcano, where workers and residents had been granted limited access to begin the clean-up effort.
The Villarrica volcano looms over Pucon. Photograph: Cristobal Saavedra/ Reuters
The Villarrica volcano is seen partially covered by clouds at Pucon, Chile. Photograph: Cristobal Saavedra/ Reuters
The Villarrica volcano is seen partially covered by clouds. Photograph: Cristobal Saavedra/ Reuters
The Villarrica volcano is seen at night in Pucon town, Chile. Photograph: Cristobal Saavedra/ Reuters
Smoke and lava spew from the Villarrica volcano, as seen from Pucon town, in the south of Santiago, where authorities have restricted access to the area within 5 kilometres (3 miles) of the crater and have put the area under an orange alert due to the volcano's heightened unrest and increased likelihood of eruption. Photograph: Cristobal Saavedra/ Reuters
An aerial view shows smoke and ash rising from Villarrica volcano, south of Santiago. Photograph: Reuters
The Villarrica volcano is seen at night in Pucon town. Photograph: Cristobal Saavedra/ Reuters
Volcano Villarrica in southern Chile erupted in March, sending a plume of ash and lava high into the sky, and forcing the evacuation of nearby communities. Photograph: Lautaro Salinas/ Reuters
Smoke and lava spew from the Villarrica volcano, as seen from Pucon town south of Santiago. Photograph: Claudia Bucarey/ Reuters
The Villarrica volcano expelled smoke as scientists warn the concentration of lava, contained within the structure, is close to the crater. Photograph: Cristobal Saavedra/ Reuters
