Indonesia ? An Indonesian volcano has shot black ash three miles into the air early — its most powerful eruption since springing back to life after four centuries of dormancy.

The force of Mount Sinabung’s explosion could be felt five miles away.

The volcano in North Sumatra province erupted for the first time since 1600 last week, catching many scientists off guard.

There are fears that current activity could foreshadow a much more destructive explosion in a few weeks or months, though it is possible, too, that the mountain will go back to sleep after letting off steam.

More than 30,000 people living along Sinabung’s fertile slopes have been relocated to cramped refugee camps, mosques and churches.