Jakarta, Indonesia: More than 15,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes near a volcano that rumbled to life less than a week ago in North Sumatra, spewing thick ash into the air. Local airlines have been warned to avoid flying near the mountain.
The general manager for air navigation at Kuala Namu airport in North Sumatra's capital Medan said Thursday that the warning was issued for small planes serving short-haul flights in the region following small eruptions that continue at Mount Sinabung.
Data from the local emergency task force shows the number of people evacuated has doubled to more than 15,000 after many residents outside the immediate danger area abandoned their houses.
The 2,600-meter (8,530-feet) volcano first erupted Sunday after being dormant for three years.
