A volcano that had been inactive for more than 400 years has erupted in Indonesia, killing one person and forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. Head of the country's volcanology and geology agency, Surono, said Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra province had been inactive since the 1600s, but spewed volcanic ash nearly 1.5 kilometre into the air early today. Officials have evacuated 12,000 residents living in 14 villages near the volcano. Surano said no hazardous gas had been detected after today's eruption. Yesterday, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation issued a warning and ordered evacuation of a 6 kilometre radius around the volcano. Priyadi Kardono of the National Disaster Management Agency said the situation is under control and emergency response teams are already on the scene.