Thousands evacuated following volcanic eruption

No fewer than 3,000 people have been evacuated in Southern Chile following a volcanic eruption which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, BBC reports.

The eruption spewed ash and lava up to 1,000m (3,300ft) into the air.

The country's president, Michelle Bachelet said she would travel to the area on Tuesday to assess the situation.

Chilean police said the towns of Pucon and Conaripe had been evacuated as a precaution.

The area is a popular destination for hikers, hundreds climb the peak each summer to peer inside the crater. No casualties were however recorded from the eruption.