JAKARTA, Indonesia - A volcano in northern Indonesia has spewed hot smoke and ash thousands of feet into the air in two new eruptions.

Mount Lokon on Sulawesi island had been dormant before rumbling back to life last year.

Government volcanologist Hendrasto says it unleashed two strong eruptions Friday.

Residents have been put on alert, but no evacuations are planned since the nearest villages are beyond the danger area about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the crater.

Mount Lokon's last major eruption in 1991 killed a Swiss hiker and forced thousands to flee. The volcano is one of five on high alert in Indonesia. The archipelago straddles the "Pacific Ring of Fire" and has more active volcanoes than any other nation.

Earth Changes Media


Mitch Battros | 



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