08 May 2019 | 10:12 AM UTC
Indonesia: Mount Sinabung (Sumatra) spews ash May 7
Mount Sinabung on Sumatra island erupts on May 7, spewing a column of ash and smoke into the air; officials warn the eruption may affect flights
Event
Mount Sinabung, located in North Sumatra province (Sumatra island), erupted on Tuesday, May 7, sending a column of ash and smoke into the air. According to the Indonesia National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), the column reached a height of about 2000 m (6561 ft). Officials warned that the eruption has the potential to affect flights in the region; however, as of the morning (local time) of Wednesday, May 8, no disruptions have been reported. 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. The latest eruption took place in October 2017, after which the BNPB established the danger zone around the volcano.
Advice
Individuals in the area are advised to keep abreast of the situation and anticipate flight diversions and disruptions in the event of a major eruption.
