Jakarta, Indonesia: Mount Sinabung in Indonesia erupted on Monday, sending a dense column of black ash about 3,500 meters above its summit and prompting authorities to raise the volcano's alert level as they warned that a larger eruption was possible.
There were no immediate reports of casualties, evacuations or flight disruptions. However, residents, visitors and tourists were advised to avoid activities within 6 kilometers of the volcano's summit and in nearby relocated villages in Karo Regency, North Sumatra.
The eruption blanketed several villages in Karo with gray volcanic ash, covering roads, vehicles and buildings. The Geological Agency raised the volcano's status from Level II (Caution) to Level III (Alert), effective Monday afternoon.
Geological Agency head Lana Saria said the eruption was an initial event and that the possibility of a larger eruption could not be ruled out.
The agency had recorded increased seismic activity before the eruption, including a series of volcanic earthquakes.
Authorities are continuing to monitor Mount Sinabung and have urged the public to stay outside the restricted area as volcanic activity remains elevated.
