Indonesian volcano erupts after 400-year hiatus

A VOLCANO in western Indonesia spewed hot lava and sand high into the sky early yesterday in its first eruption in 400 years.

Volcanologist Surono, who uses only one name, said Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra started rumbling a few days ago and the minor eruption had mostly stopped.

It sent sand and ash up to 1.5km high but lava only moved near its crater. It caused no major damage and “only dust covered plants and trees,” he said.