Authorities closed schools and are recommending the evacuation of 150 residents of Querapi, a community four kilometres from the volcano's crater.

The 5,670-metre volcano is considered one of Peru's most active volcanos with more than 20 eruptions reported since the 16th century.

The area is currently under a yellow alert and officials have distributed masks and goggles to area residents, including these children who are pictured watching the spectacle.