The volcano of Indonesia Lokon exploded, hurling lava and volcanic ash to a height of 1,500 meters in the northSulawesi, leaving local residents to flee their homes. "The explosion caused a fire in the forests around the crater," said Representative Office of Disaster.The Center of Volcanology province raised the highest alert level, the activity of the volcano, inviting about 28,000 people living within 3.5 km from the crater Tompalouan to leave their homes. So far no information on casualties. The first eruption totaling 1,579 meters, occurred shortly before midnight Thursday.
The government plans to distribute masks and tents to people sheltering in schools. The Capital International Airport Manado province, tourist destination for coral reefs Bounaken operates normally, said responsible official. "There exists panic because we had already prepared for situation and continue to evacuate residents from their homes, "said government official.
