A volcano in Alaska exploded in what observers described as a “major” event on Thursday, forcing towers of ash and smoke into the sky. Authorities said the Mount Redoubt volcano exploded on Thursday after producing several eruptions earlier in the week. The debris being shot out reached up to 65,000 feet (nearly 20,000 meters) above sea level, according to the US National Weather Service. The Alaska Volcano Observatory described the blast as “a major explosive event.” No injuries have been reported, though the repeated eruptions have forced at least 19 flight cancellations and forced authorities to place locals on “Red Alert” – with warnings that they prepare for falling ash.
