SANTIAGO  Wed Mar 18, 2015 11:44pm GMT

Volcano Villarrica in southern Chile, which erupted earlier this month before settling down, has entered a more active phase again, expelling gas and ash into the atmosphere, Chilean authorities said on Wednesday.

Villarrica, located near the popular tourist resort of Pucon around 750 km (460 miles) south of the capital Santiago, is among the most active in South America.

On March 3 a short-lived eruption of ash and rock led to the evacuation of thousands from the nearby area.

The volcano would likely become more active in coming hours, with lava expected overnight, but a major event was not expected, said Chile's national geological service.