Thousands Flee Homes After Volcano Erupts

Mount Sinabung spews volcanic materials into the sky in Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Sinabung volcano spews thick smoke on Sumatra

Thousands of people have been fleeing their homes after a volcano on the Indonesian island of Sumatra erupted for the first time in 400 years.

Mount Sinabung spewed out thick smoke and ash which created a volcanic cloud a mile into the air.

It covered an area up to 20 miles away, as a red alert - the highest level - was issued.

Lava has been flowing from the crater since it began to rumble several days ago.

Around 12,000 people from several villages have been evacuated to towns outside a four-mile "danger zone".

No deaths or injuries have been reported but "many" have breathing difficulties, Disaster Management Agency spokesman Priyadi Kardono said.

He added: "We have anticipated that people may have respiratory problems from inhaling dust. We've given them face masks and are preparing to send in medicines for respiratory infections."

Mr Kardono also said many residents in four affected villages at the foot of the volcano had fled their homes immediately after the eruption, before the evacuation was ordered.

Meanwhile, search and rescue team official Mohammad Wibisono said: "The ash has spread to a distance of 20 miles from the volcano.

"Many of the villagers evacuated were farmers and they said the ash had settled on their vegetable farms."

A spokesman for the country's volcano disaster alert centre, said: "It's clearly dangerous so we've raised the warning to the highest level, or red level.

"From the crater, it shot smoke and volcanic ash 1,500 metres (5,000ft) into the sky."

He went on: "Initially we thought the ash and smoke were triggered by rain but now we know the driving pressure was from magma."

"Despite decreasing activities since the eruption, we haven't downgraded the status level.

"This is the first time since 1600 that Sinabung erupted and we have little knowledge in terms on its eruptive patterns and general forms."