Indonesia: Large eruption of Mount Sinabung June 9

Event

Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation has recorded an eruption at Mount Sinabung as the volcano sent a plume of ash more than 7 km (4.5 mi) into the air on Sunday, June 9. Authorities announced that Sinabung, which erupted at 16:28 (local time), is at the second highest alert level with an exclusion zone of 5 km (3.1 mi) from the crater. There were no immediate reports of damages or casualties nor flight disruptions. 

Further eruptions are possible in the coming days and weeks and flight disruptions cannot be ruled out in the event of a larger eruption.

Context

Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is frequently affected by volcanic eruptions. Mount Sinabung was dormant for 400 years before resuming activity in 2010. Since then, the volcano's eruptions have killed at least 25 people. In May 2016, seven people were killed in a nearby village after they ignored evacuation orders. Similar eruptions in 2014 killed 16. 

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor the situation and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders).