Erupting volcano sends ash three miles high
An Indonesian volcano shot a towering cloud of black ash high into the air today, dusting villages 15 miles (25km) away – its most powerful eruption since awaking from four centuries of dormancy.
Some witnesses reported seeing several hotspots at the foot of Mount Sinabung for the first time today.
Mount Sinabung’s eruption last week caught many scientists off guard.
Surono, who heads the nation’s volcano alert centre, said the government sent dozens of trucks to the mountain to help carry them back before today’s eruption, which sent ash and debris shooting three miles (5,000m) into the air.
Local media said ash had reached as far as Berastagi, a district 15 miles (25km) from the base.
Surono said activity was definitely increasing.
