Mount Sinabung: Massive volcanic eruption 'turned day into night'
Mount Sinabung in Indonesia experiences its biggest eruption so far this year, with thick layers of ash covering roads and houses.
Monday 19 February 2018 12:58, UK
A major volcanic eruption in Indonesia has propelled ash and rock more than 5,000m (16,400ft) into the AG百家乐在线官网.
Hot ash clouds rushed down the sides of Mount Sinabung in the aftermath of the eruption on Monday morning and spread for three miles.
"This was the biggest eruption for Sinabung this year," the country's volcanology agency said.
A video by the Indonesian Red Cross showed thick layers of ash covering roads and houses, with one official claiming it was "pitch black" in some villages as visibility plunged to as little as 5m (16ft).
The charity has asked for volunteers to help comb affected areas and get in touch with residents who are still in their houses.
Officials are reportedly handing out masks to try to protect people from the volcano's dust, which is filled with sharp particles that can damage the lungs and cause breathing problems.
According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, there were no initial reports of injuries or fatalities.
Planes travelling in the area have been issued a "red notice" warning by the regional volcanic ash advisory centre in Darwin, Australia.
Mount Sinabung killed two people when it roared back to life in 2010 after lying dormant for 400 years.
Sixteen people died when it erupted in 2014, and seven more lost their lives in 2016.
An estimated 30,000 people living near the mountain have been forced to leave their homes over the past eight years.
Indonesia is home to around 130 volcanoes due to its position in the highly active "Ring of Fire" - a belt of tectonic plate boundaries in the Pacific Ocean which is vulnerable to frequent seismic activity.
Mount Sinabung is one of three volcanoes currently erupting in the area.