Indonesia’s Mount Sinabung erupted Monday, sending ash thousands of feet into the sky as geologists warn a larger eruption could follow.
Black ash and smoke spewed nearly 11,500 feet above the volcano on Sumatra Island. No casualties were reported, but residents were advised to stay away from areas near the summit.
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Ash covered roads, vehicles and buildings in several villages in North Sumatra’s Karo district, where officials distributed masks to residents.
Another eruption is possible
Officials raised the volcano alert level to “Watch,” which The Associated Press says is the second-highest level for volcanic activity.
“This eruption is considered an initial eruption, and it is possible that a larger eruption could occur,” Lana Saria, chief of Indonesia’s Geological Agency, said Monday.
The Geological Agency had recorded increased activity at Mount Sinabung earlier in August, including dozens of earthquakes.
The agency expanded the recommended radius for public activities, as the threat of an eruption grew.
Volcanic activity in Indonesia
Seismic and volcanic activity are common in Indonesia, home to more than 280 million people and more than 120 active volcanoes.
Indonesia sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Around Sinabung alone, volcanic activity has forced about 30,000 people from their homes in recent years.
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