Volcano in Sumatra, Indonesia erupts after 400 years

A volcano in the island of Sumatra in Indonesia has erupted again, for the first time in 400 years.

The volcano has sent ash and sand, together with steam into the atmosphere, at a height of up to 1500 meters.

This situation has forced the authorities to take emergency measures. 12000 people had to be evacuated as quickly as possible, in order to avoid casualties.

The interesting thing is that mount Sinabung was not being monitored by the authorities. This was somewhat normal, since no volcanic activity has been signaled there for four centuries. Its eruption was a surprise for everyone.

The volcano started spitting some smoke on Friday, but, given its lack of activity in recent years, it was not taken seriously, until Sunday when an eruption actually started.

No casualties were recorded, although vegetation and farms in the area have been covered in ash.