Mount Sinabung in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province erupted on Monday morning, sending volcanic ash about 3.5km above its summit and prompting authorities to reinforce safety measures around the volcano.
The eruption began at 10:17 am local time, with the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reporting a thick, dark ash plume moving east and south-east.
In response, residents and visitors have been advised to stay away from evacuated villages and avoid activities within 3km of the summit, as well as within a 4.5km radius to the south and south-east.
Mount Sinabung, located in Karo Regency, remains at Level II, or Alert, under Indonesia’s volcanic activity warning system.
Authorities have also urged residents living near rivers to remain vigilant for possible volcanic mudflows, or lahars, which can occur when ash and volcanic debris are carried downstream by water.
