“The authorities in Argentina and Chile have issued an alert over increased activity at the Copahue volcano, which has begun spewing smoke and gas. Many residents have already left the area as a precaution. An orange volcano alert, the second highest, has been issued in both countries.

The 3,000m (10,000ft) volcano is in Argentina's south-western Neuquen province, which borders the Biobio region of Chile. Ash has been raining down on the nearby villages of Copahue, Caviahue and Zapala. Residents who have stayed behind have been told to monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate.

Planes flying over the southern Andes have also been warned. Hundreds of flights were cancelled last year due to the eruption of Puyehue volcano, in Chile”. – BBC News

View of the Copahue volcano spewing ashes behind the lagoon of Caviahue, Neuquen province, Argentina, some 1500 km southwest of Buenos Aires on December 22, 2012. The authorities of Chile and Argentina issued yellow alerts due to the eruption of the Copahue volcano, placed in the border between both countries. (Photo by Antonio Huglich/AFP Photo)

A woman takes a picture with her mobile phone from Caviahue, Neuquen province, Argentina, some 1500 km southwest of Buenos Aires, of the Copahue volcano spewing ashes on December 22, 2012. (Photo by Antonio Huglich/AFP Photo)

View of the Copahue volcano spewing ashes from Caviahue, Neuquen province, Argentina, some 1500 km southwest of Buenos Aires on December 22, 2012. (Photo by Antonio Huglich/AFP Photo)

View of the Copahue volcano spewing ashes from Neuquen province, Argentina, some 1500 km southwest of Buenos Aires on December 22, 2012. (Photo by Bruno Tornini/La Manana del Sur/AFP Photo)

A family watches the Copahue volcano spewing ashes from Caviahue, Neuquen province, Argentina, some 1500 km southwest of Buenos Aires on December 22, 2012. (Photo by Antonio Huglich/AFP Photo)

View of the Copahue volcano spewing ashes from Caviahue, Neuquen province, Argentina, some 1500 km southwest of Buenos Aires on December 22, 2012. (Photo by Antonio Huglich/AFP Photo)