Volcano quiet for 400 years erupts in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- It's the first eruption in 400 years
for western Indonesia's Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra province.

Government volcanologist Surono, who uses only one name, says the volcano started rumbling a few days ago and the minor morning eruption has mostly stopped after spewing hot lava and sand high into the sky.

It caused no major damage, though nearby plants and trees were covered with dust.

Surono said Mount Sinabung last erupted in 1600, so observers
don't know the volcano's eruption pattern and are monitoring it
closely for more activity.

Evacuations on the volcano's slopes started Friday and up to
10,000 people who fled are staying in government buildings, houses of worship and other evacuation centers.

Indonesia is on the so-called "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanos and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.

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