By Gideon Long
BBC News, Santiago
A volcano has erupted in southern Chile, scattering ash over the surrounding area and forcing more than 1,000 people to leave their homes.
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But on Friday morning, it blew a thick cloud of ash high into the air.
This prompted the evacuation of sick and elderly people from the town of Chaiten, just six miles away.
Residents have been told not to drink the water, because the reservoirs in the area are covered in a layer of ash.
Emergency workers are handing out face masks to help people breathe more easily.
The eruption also dumped a layer of ash in neighbouring Argentina, forcing the closure of schools and a regional airport.
Chile is one of the most volcanic countries on Earth, with more than 100 active volcanoes. Of those, experts say about 20 are in danger of erupting at any time.
(BBC)
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