Santiago  - The Llaima volcano erupted in southern Chile, near the border with Argentina, spewing lava down one of its slopes towards Cherquenco, in the municipality of Vilcun, some 85 kilometres north of the Chilean city of Temuco.

About 25 people were being evacuated from the area, National Emergency Office (ONEMI) director Carmen Fernandez said Tuesday.

"We are acting in accordance with the security plan that exists for the Llaima volcano," she noted.

Seismic activity in the region has increased in recent weeks, according to official data, although the rise is not perceptible to residents.

The Llaima last erupted on January 1, and then remained active for several weeks. At the time, hundreds of tourists and locals had to be evacuated as the volcano spewed fire and lava, with columns visible from many kilometres away. (dpa)