Peruvian authorities began evacuating 4,000 people Thursday from villages near a volcano that has seen significantly increased activity, spewing smoke and ash.

In recent days eruptions from the Ubinas volcano, in southern Peru, have launched volcanic ash over a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius, the government said.

"We are moving an estimated 4,000 people farther to secure their health against ash and smoke emissions," Minister of Agriculture Juan Benites told the official news agency Andina.

The move also involves 30,000 animals that are important assets for the villagers, he added.

On Tuesday the government declared a state of emergency for 60 days in the towns surrounding Ubinas, which is 1,200 kilometers south of the capital Lima.