Mount Sinabung, on western Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, unleashed hot clouds again on Wednesday and ejected a plume of ash and smoke up to 4.5 km above sea level. The mountain is in an active period and has erupted for four months. /Chinanews Photo

Local authorities had evacuated more than 30,000 people, settling them in cramped tents or public buildings, but many people were desperate to return to check the status of their homes and farms. /Chinanews Photo

Although the volcano was still spewing clouds of gas and ash that may wreak havoc on the residential areas and farmlands, local people have gradually grown accustomed to the volcanic activity, thanks to the long eruption span. /Chinanews Photo