Chile – already one of the most volcanically active countries in the world – has seen a chain of eruptions sweep across the Puyehue-Cordon-Caulle range.

Smoke has been sent thousands of meters into the sky, with residents in the surrounding area forced to evacuate.

Accompanying earthquakes shook the ground in the region, some 500 miles south of Santiago.

Despite a red alert from the Chilean officials – the highest level possible – there have been no reports of any injuries.

As many as 3,500 people have been affected.

Witnesses also reported a strong smell of ash and sulphur.

The border with Argentina has been closed following the incident.

Authorities have also closed lkeanBariloche airport in Argentina.

“We advise anyone in the area, or anyone planning to travel in the next few days, to follow the advice of the local authorities,” said the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in a statement.