WATCH: Lava spews into night sky as Chile volcano erupts

Residents captured incredible videos and photos as they made their way to safety out of the reach of the Villarrica volcano in Chile.

The 9,000-foot volcano erupted Monday night after a month of increased activity, ABC News reports.

Evacuations were ordered as the volcano began to erupt around 3 a.m. local time (1 a.m. EST) near Villarrica, which is about 400 miles south of Santiago.

Residents recorded the lava showering into the night sky, which was visible from miles away, and posted the images online.

Chilean officials noticed the increased activity and began preparing for evacuations Monday, the Associated Press reports.