Eruption of Sinabung volcano on Indonesia's Sumatra island prompts higher alert

Mount Sinabung on Indonesia's Sumatra island erupted on Monday, ejecting a 3,500-meter (11,482-foot) plume of black ash and smoke into the sky. The volcano's activity, characterized by numerous earthquakes, prompted officials to elevate the alert level to "Watch," the second-highest rating, on Monday. This designation expanded the safe zone around the 2,600-meter (8,530-foot) peak.

No casualties, evacuations, or flight disruptions were reported immediately after the eruption. However, residents and visitors were advised to avoid nearby villages in Karo district of North Sumatra province and areas within a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) radius of the summit. The gray ash from the eruption coated roads, vehicles, and buildings in several Karo villages.

To safeguard themselves, authorities distributed masks to locals. Lana Saria, chief of Indonesia's Geological Agency, stated that the eruption marked the volcano's initial activity, and a larger eruption could potentially occur. Prior to this eruption, the agency had observed visual signs of heightened activity in mid-August, further expanding the recommended safe zone for public activities.

Sinabung is one of over 120 active volcanoes in the country, which is prone to seismic activity due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.