Santiago - Chile is issuing an alert over increased activity at Villarica volcano.
The 2 847m volcano is located in Chile's central valley about 670km south of Santiago. It's one of South America's most active, and it has a lava lake within its crater.
Tens of thousands of people live nearby, and it's a popular tourist and skiing destination.
National volcanic surveillance chief Luis Lara said on Monday that "there's a high chance of active eruptive activity."
Meanwhile, the national emergency office says it has been preparing plans in case evacuations are necessary.