Indonesia – Indonesia’s Marapi volcano erupted on Sunday, sending ash 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) from the summit, according to the country’s geological agency, six weeks after the deadly eruption.
The volcano in West Sumatra province erupted at least twice by 03:37 GMT on Sunday, the agency said, urging the evacuation of people within a 4.5 km (2.8 miles) radius of the eruption center, with the possibility of lava flowing into rivers and valleys.
“In the event of ash rain, we urge residents to also use masks to prevent respiratory illness,” the agency said.
In December, more than 20 people were killed after Marapi, one of Sumatra’s most active volcanoes, erupted, spewing gray ash clouds up to 3 km (2 miles) high.
Indonesia straddles the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” an area of high seismic activity at the top of several tectonic plates.
Volcanic ash from Sunday’s eruption covered nearby houses, vehicles and evacuation tents set up by the local disaster agency, Reuters footage showed.
Many residents went to health facilities for respiratory tests and the authorities distributed masks.
