Mount Sinabung in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province erupted on Monday, sending a plume of thick black ash and smoke about 3,500 meters into the sky. The eruption prompted authorities to raise the volcano’s alert level to “Watch,” the second-highest on the scale for volcanic activity.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, evacuations, or disruptions to air travel following the eruption. However, residents, visitors, and tourists were advised to avoid activities within a 6-kilometer radius of the summit, particularly in the nearby villages located in the Karo district. Roads, vehicles, and buildings in several affected villages were reportedly covered in a layer of gray ash, prompting local authorities to distribute masks to residents to mitigate respiratory risks.

Lana Saria, chief of Indonesia’s Geological Agency, described the recent eruption as an initial event, warning that a larger eruption could still occur. The agency had observed increased volcanic activity at Mount Sinabung since mid-August, including dozens of earthquakes, and had already expanded the recommended safety zone around the mountain prior to the eruption.

Mount Sinabung stands approximately 2,600 meters tall and is one of more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia. The country, home to more than 280 million people spread across an archipelago, is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to tectonic plate movements.

Over the past several years, volcanic activity from Mount Sinabung has forced approximately 30,000 people to evacuate their homes. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the volcano remains volatile, urging residents in the surrounding areas to stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines.