A chain of volcanoes has erupted in southern Chile, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. Large columns of smoke have been rising from the Puyehue-Cordon-Caulle volcano range, about 800 kilomtres south of the capital Santiago. Witnesses reported a strong smell of ash and sulphur. A dozen small earthquakes were recorded before the eruption began. Authorities have issued a red alert – the maximum warning level for the area – and evacuation orders for some 3,500 people. They added that the residents would be relocated in temporary shelters in safe areas. So far there have been no reports of any injuries. However, ash clouds have drifted to neighbouring Argentina where officials have ordered residents to stay indoors. A regional airport in the Argentine city of Bariloche has been closed due to the volcanic ash. It is the first time since 1960 that the volcanic chain has erupted.