The Ubinas volcano in southwestern Peru has authorities raising the alert level from yellow to orange, prompting evacuations and other necessary precautionary measures.
Jose Machare of Peru's Institute of Geophyics says activity this week is ranging from small to a level three.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) TECHNICAL DIRECTOR OF PERU'S INSTITUTE OF GEOPHYSICS, JOSE MACHARE, SAYING:
"Level three means much bigger eruptive columns and an emission of much bigger ash and lava fragments that can reach surrounding villages. There is a very low probability, although it has not been discarded, of an unusual eruption that could be very big."
So far, the ash has affected over 10 villages and farmland in the region all within a 20 kilometer radius.
After being dormant for several years, the Ubinas volcano has become increasingly active since September 2013.
