Southern Chile's Calbuco volcano dormant for half a century has awakened and erupted twice in just two hours. Video footage reveals a gigantic column of lava and ash being hurled seven kilometers into the atmosphere.

Local authorities have declared a red alert across the region and proceeded to launch an evacuation of more than 4,000 residents within a 20 kilometer radius from the volcano.

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The eruption of Calbuco, which is considered one of the most active volcanoes in Chile, wasn't anticipated at all by officials. According to emergency director Alejandro Verges, the volcano has not undergone any recent investigation or observation.

Inhabitants from the nearby town of Ensenada and residents from two smaller neighboring communities have been ordered to immediately evacuate their homes. Schools and other establishments have been shut down and flights cancelled.

Meanwhile, the nearby city of Puerto Montt, which is a passage way to the popular tourist region of Patagonia, has been blanketed by enormous ash clouds.

Local TV footage show traffic jams all over the city and long queues at gas stations. The nearby town of Puerto Varas was also declared under a state of alert. Puerto Varas Mayor Gervoy Paredes said the residents were very, very frightened.

Some locals admit to never seeing this kind of volcanic disaster before. They said it scares you at the beginning and many start to wonder what will happen next.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Penailillo asked affected locals to remain calm and stay informed regarding the eruption and the evacuations.

Neighboring Argentina has released emergency measures for the city of Bariloche, which is located just 100 kilometers from Calbuco. Residents have also been warned to stay inside their homes.

Next to Indonesia, Chile owns the second largest volcano chain on the planet. Indonesia has 500 potentially active volcanoes.

It's southern Chile's second volcanic eruption in months. Last March, the eruption of the Villarica volcano occurred during the wee hours of the morning. The Calbuco eruption is more serious, however.

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