Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra erupted on Monday morning, sending a dense column of black volcanic ash around 3,500 metres above its summit. The eruption began at approximately 10:17 a.m. local time, with the plume drifting east and southeast. Seismic instruments recorded a maximum amplitude of 120 millimetres, while the eruption continued for more than an hour. Ash covered roads, vehicles and buildings across parts of Karo Regency, including areas around the tourist town of Berastagi. No deaths or injuries have been reported and there were no immediate major disruptions to regional flights. Authorities distributed protective masks and warned residents and visitors to stay away from the volcano.
Within hours, Indonesia’s Geological Agency raised Sinabung’s alert status from Level II, Waspada, to Level III, Siaga, the third level in the country’s four-stage system. Authorities now prohibit activity within three kilometres of the summit and within six kilometres in the south-southeastern sector. Before the eruption, monitors recorded a sequence of 85 volcanic earthquakes, while signs of increased activity had already been detected during August. Geological Agency chief Lana Saria warned that the eruption is considered an “initial eruption” and that a larger event remains possible. Officials are also warning about pyroclastic hazards, ashfall and lahars – fast-moving mixtures of water and volcanic debris that can form during heavy rainfall.
Sinabung, around 2,460 metres high, was considered dormant for roughly four centuries before suddenly reawakening in 2010. Since then, repeated eruptions have forced more than 30,000 people from their homes at different times. A major eruption in 2014 killed 16 people, while another eruption in 2016 killed seven. Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and has more than 120 active volcanoes, making volcanic and seismic activity a persistent threat across the archipelago. Officials say there is no reason for panic at present, but Sinabung is now being closely monitored for signs of further escalation.
Sources: Indonesian Geological Agency (Badan Geologi/PVMBG), Associated Press, Anadolu Agency.
