Chilean authorities issue safety warnings after volcano hurled a 6,000m-high eruption column (nearly 20,000ft)

After a volcano sent an eruptive column rising 6,000m (nearly 20,000ft), Chilean authorities issued a safety warning.

On Saturday, the Andean volcano known as Lascar erupted, causing slight earth tremors.

People in Talabre, Antofagasta, a small town less than 12 kilometers (7 miles) from the volcano, first noticed some activity around lunchtime.

Despite the huge cloud of hot gases and volcanic ash that Lascar produced, it is thought that no residences were affected. Five kilometers from the volcano’s crater, authorities have set up a no-entry zone.

A popular tourist destination for trekking and excursions to the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, San Pedro de Atacama is located 70 kilometers north of Lascar.

The initial green warning was upgraded to a yellow one, but no damage has yet been noted in the immediate vicinity.

A volcano is considered unstable if it is “yellow,” according to the National Geology and Mining Service of Chile (Sernageomin).

According to Sernageomin, the categorization also indicates that scientists are keeping an eye out for small explosions and smoke manifestations at the site.