Thousands flee as volcano erupts violently on Sumatra

Sinabung volcano spews thick smoke and volcanic material in Indonesia's Karo district on September 15, 2013. Thousands of villagers fled the area on September 15 after a volcano erupted on Indonesia's Sumatra island, spewing rocks and red-hot ash onto surrounding villages, officials said. AFP PHOTO / KHARISMA TARIGAN

JAKARTA: Thousands of villagers fled after a volcano erupted on Indonesia’s Sumatra island spewing rocks and red-hot ash onto surrounding villages, officials said.

Mount Sinabung in Karo district, North Sumatra province, erupted violently before dawn.