Volcano activity sparks concern

ABOUT 8,500 people have fled the slopes of an Indonesian volcano after it spewed ash, smoke and debris, as the volcanology office raised its warning to the highest level.

The office said volcanic activity at Mount Gamkonora, about 2,700 kilometres northeast of Jakarta, prompted it to raise its warning level to “alert” which means an eruption is imminent.

Spot fires were visible and the crater spewed burning material up to 15 metres from the crater, the office said.