An Indonesian volcano that lay dormant for 400 years shot ash 5km into the air today in what was its biggest eruption since it became active last week.
Experts have warned of more blasts to come.
Mount Sinabung, in northern Sumatra island, first erupted on August 29th. Villages on its slopes have been evacuated and around 24,500 people are living in refugee camps, disaster officials said.
"It was the biggest eruption yet and the sound was heard from 8 kilometres away. The smoke was 5,000min the air," said Indonesia's chief vulcanologist, Surono, who goes by only one name as do many Indonesians.
"I think this will not be the last eruption. It will happen again," he said.
Witnesse said the ground shook for around three minutes during the blast.
Heavy rain mixed with the ash to form muddy precipitation that is lying a centimetre thick on buildings and trees. Electricity in one village has been cut off, but there have so far been no casualties.
The area around the volcano is largely agricultural and the nearest big city is Medan, some 50 km away
Villages within a 6km radius of the volcano have emptied out, with only a handful of people staying behind to guard homes.