2 Indonesian volcanoes spew lava in new eruptions

Mount Karangetang is partially covered by volcanic smoke as it spews on Siau Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia on Feb. 7, 2019. AP

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Two volcanoes in Indonesia have spewed fresh lava down their slopes, in the latest of several eruptions in less than two weeks, an official said Friday.

Volcanology official Kasbani said Mount Merapi on the main island of Java shot out hot clouds and lava that flowed 2,000 meters down its slopes late Thursday.

Hours earlier, Mount Karangetang on Sulawesi’s Siau island sent lava and searing gas out of its crater, prompting evacuation preparations, said Kasbani, who uses one name. Authorities expanded its danger zone to 4 kilometers from 3 kilometers from its crater.

No casualties or damage were reported and the volcanoes’ alert levels were not raised.

Indonesia, home to 130 active volcanoes, lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanos and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin. /ee