This Indonesian Volcano Could Be About to Blow

A close-up of hot lava running down from Mount Sinabung in Sumatra island in Indonesia on June 13, 2015. Sutanta Aditya—AFP/Getty Images

A close-up of hot lava running down from Mount Sinabung in Sumatra island in Indonesia on June 13, 2015.

Hundreds of villagers living near Mount Sinabung, one of Indonesia's 130 active volcanoes, have been forced to evacuate as authorities fear a major eruption.

Dormant for more than 400 years, the volcano woke up on August 29, 2010, and has since erupted on six occasions. The latest activity has vulcanologists worried, the Associated Press reports , prompting authorities to raise the alert status to its highest level.

Government vulcanologist Gede Suantika told AP that at least 28 hot ash avalanches occurred Monday, with indications that the crater's lava dome continues to grow in size. On June 2, it was estimated to measure estimated 3 million cubic meters (106 million cubic feet).

[ AP ]