Over 20,000 evacuated after volcano erupts in Sumatra

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August 30, 2010

(KATAKAMI / RIA NOVOSTI) — More than 20,000 people living near Mount Sinabung on the Indonesian island of Sumatra have been evacuated after the volcano erupted on Sunday for the first time in 400 years, local media said.

Earlier reports said at least 12,000 people from villages within a 6 kilometer (3.7 miles) radius of the volcano were evacuated to government-provided shelters outside the danger zone.

A vast cloud of ash and smoke is hanging over the area, causing some local flights to be suspended.

Mount Sinabung erupted again on Monday, Indonesian officials said.

Photostream : Volcano erupts in North Sumatra, Indonesia

Mount Sinabung spews volcanic smoke in Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010. The volcano spewed hot lava and sand high into the sky early Sunday in its first eruption in 400 years causing thousands of people living around its slope to evacuate their homes. (Getty Images)

Villagers who flee erupting Mount Sinabung rest at a temporary shelter in Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010. The volcano spewed hot lava and sand high into the sky early Sunday in its first eruption in 400 years causing thousands of people living around its slope to evacuate their homes. (Getty Images)

Villagers who live on the slope of Mount Sinabung receive food at a temporary shelter in Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010. The volcano spewed hot lava and sand high into the sky early Sunday in its first eruption in 400 years causing thousands of people living around its slope to evacuate their homes. (Getty Images)

A villager comforts her son at a temporary shelter as they fled from erupting Mount Sinabung in Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010. The volcano spewed hot lava and sand high into the sky early Sunday in its first eruption in 400 years causing thousands of people living around its slope to evacuate their homes. (Getty Images)

Villager wear mask to protect their respirations from volcanic ash from Mount Sinabung in Karo, North Sumatera, Indonesia, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010. The volcano blew up thick smoke and materials on Friday causing hundreds of people fled their villages despite the absence of evacuation order from authorities. Indonesia has 500 volcanoes, more than any other countries in the world. (Getty Images)

Mount Sinabung erupted in Tanah Karo, North Sumatera (August 28, 2010) Photo : DETIK.COM

People flee as unexpected volcano erupts in Tanah karo, North Sumatera (Indonesia) Photo : DETIK.COM