Chile’s National Emergency Office says about 25 people have already been evacuated, and believes the towns of La Selva and Danubio are particularly threatened.

The agency is also preparing for possible floods and mudslides that could occur as heat from the eruption melts the mountain’s snowcap.

Snow-capped Llaima, near Chile's scenic lake region, erupted violently on New Year's Day, forcing the evacuation of some tourists and residents from the surrounding Conguillio National Park. It later belched lava during February.

Chile is one of the world’s most volcanically active countries. Farther south, the long-dormant Chaitén volcano erupted in May, forcing the evacuation of approximately 4,500 people from around the nearby town of the same name.

The community of Chaitén has since been largely destroyed by ash-laden floods and volcanic debris.

Photo Gallery of Llaima eruption

Photo: Mario Quilodrán - El Mercurio
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