The volcano is located near the tourist location of Puerto Varas, about 1,000 km (625 miles) south of the nation's capital Santiago.
"There are a lot of people out in the streets, many heading to the gas stations to fill up on gas," a resident of Puerto Varas, Derek Way, told Reuters.
BREAKING NEWS: Chile declares red alert after Calbuco volcano erupts. (@raulpalma) pic.twitter.com/QZN9INtV3Q
— Breaking News Feed (@PzFeed) April 22, 2015
The area near the volcano is not densely populated, making it easier for the authorities to conduct evacuations.
Calbuco's last eruption was in 1972, while it is one of Chile's most dangerous active volcanoes.
#URGENTE: #ALERTAROJA en el Volcan Calbuco. Se evacúa en un radio de 10 KM @reddeemergencia pic.twitter.com/q1rxZ0Lysc
— Informaciones Chile (@InformacionesCL) April 22, 2015
Volcán Calbuco 19:10. Aún no cae ceniza sobre Puerto Varas pic.twitter.com/kqweYOug7G
— Raúl Palma (@raulpalma) April 22, 2015
Volcán Calbuco 18:45 pic.twitter.com/h1IhNmj9LN
— Raúl Palma (@raulpalma) April 22, 2015
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