Alaska's Mount Redoubt volcano exploded anew on Thursday, hurling ash and smoke high into the atmosphere, authorities said.
At 9:24 am local time (17:24 GMT), the volcano began kicking out fresh debris, now reaching 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."
Located close to Anchorage — Alaska's principle city — Mount Redoubt has erupted repeatedly in recent days.
Although no injuries have been reported, ash clouds have forced a string of flight cancellations and prompted concern in nearby towns.
Authorities have placed the region on "Red Alert," with residents warned to prepare for falling ash.
The disruptions have forced Alaska Airlines to cancel at least 19 flights out of Anchorage international airport, 160 kilometers (100 miles) northeast of the volcano, a vital transport artery for the state.
An oil storage site 32 kilometers (20 miles) is also being monitored.
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