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Indonesia’s Soputan volcano erupts, ejecting thick ash

Dec 16, 2018 | 2:30 AM

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A volcano in central Indonesia has erupted, ejecting columns of thick ash as high as 7,500 metres (24,606 feet) into the sky.

Mount Soputan, located on the northern part of Sulawesi island, erupted twice Sunday morning, said the national disaster agency’s spokesman, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

He said in anticipation of hot ash and lava sliding down the volcano’s slopes, local residents have been urged to avoid activities near the mountain.

Residents were also warned against the possible flowing of lava into rivers around the volcano, and urged to wear masks in case of ash rain.