Incredible pictures of the Villarrica volcano erupting in Chile

The Villarrica volcano, in southern Chile, started erupting overnight, sending a column of fire and rocks into the dark sky. 

The eruption started at about 3 a.m. local time (5 a.m. GMT, 12 a.m. EST).

Local news website Emol.com reports that $4, after weeks of increasing activity. Local authorities called for a red alert in all the area surrounding the volcano and nearby communities were evacuated.

The volcano has already experienced $4. 

Here's a dramatic GIF of the eruption. 

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The volcano is about 2,860 metres (9,380 ft) high.

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Villarrica is about 750 km south of Chile's capital Santiago.

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And here are some of the best images that started appearing on social networks this morning: