Chile's Villarrica volcano spews ash in renewed activity

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An aerial view shows smoke and ash rising from Villarrica Volcano on 18 March, 2015.Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
The Villarrica volcano near the resort of Pucon is a popular destination for climbers

The Villarrica volcano in southern Chile, which erupted on 3 March, has shown renewed activity.

Officials raised the alert in areas near the Villarrica to orange, the second highest, and cancelled classes for more than 5,500 pupils.

Thousands of people were evacuated earlier this month when it spewed ash and lava 1,000m (3,300ft) into the air.

The 2840m-high Villarrica is popular with hikers. Hundreds climb the peak each summer to peer inside the crater.

Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
Smoke could be seen rising from the crater on Wednesday prompting officials to raise the alert to orange
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
The eruption on 3 March triggered an evacuation order for thousands of people

No-one died in the eruption on 3 March but there have been fatalities in the past.

More than 100 people are thought to have been killed in mudflows on the slopes of the volcano during the 20th Century.