Residents in the district of Ubinas, one of three provinces in the southwestern region of Moquegua, are complaining about an active volcano in their district once again.

The district of Ubinas is home to Peru's most active volcano, a stratovolcano also known as Ubinas.

Townspeople in the area are complaining of migraines and respiratory illnesses which are being attributed to the ash, smoke and toxic gases the volcano is emitting.

The gases the volcano is emitting have affected 800 people in the areas of Querapi, Ubinas and Sacoaya - all located in the Ubinas valley, said Jose Fuentes Flores, the regional Civil Defense director.

Flores warned that there was the possibility that drinking water and water used to irrigate could be contaminated the way it was in 2006.

Almost exactly two years ago, on April 23, 2006 the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in the valley when it was determined that the volcano was active.

According to Fuentes, the volcanic ash being emitted by Ubinas is affecting the grass on farms, making it impossible for livestock to eat.

After three volcanic explosions formed a column of ash and gas two kilometers high (6561 feet), the country's Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute (INGEMMET) reported on Wednesday that Ubinas' activity continues to increase.