Indonesia volcano erupts in a mighty burst
Villagers watch as Mount Sinabung erupts in Tiga Pancur, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
A volcano in western Indonesia has unleashed a new powerful burst of volcanic ash.
Authorities have been closely monitoring the 8,070-foot Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra province since June 2, when its status was raised to the highest alert level due to the growing size of its lava dome.
Wendy Cahya, an official at the mountain’s monitoring post, says hot ash tumbled down the slopes of the mountain as far as 2 miles southeastward on Saturday.
Mount Sinabung is among about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia, which is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The volcano has sporadically erupted since 2010, after being dormant for 400 years. An eruption last year killed at least 17 people.
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