Mount Sinabung Volcano Eruption Today Sends 3,500-Meter Ash Column East of Berastagi

Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra, Indonesia, experienced a volcano eruption today on Monday morning, 31 August 2026, at 10:17 WIB, sending a thick black ash column 3,500 meters above the summit toward the east and southeast.

Eruption Details of the Volcano Eruption Today

The volcano eruption today began at 10:17 WIB on Monday, 31 August 2026, with observers recording a thick black ash column that reached approximately 3,500 meters above the summit, or about 5,960 meters above sea level. [1] The ash plume moved rapidly toward the east and southeast sectors. [5] Ash emissions at the summit continued through at least 11:14 WIB. [1] Seismograph instruments captured the event with a maximum amplitude of 120 mm. [2] The duration reached approximately one hour and two minutes according to multiple recordings. [5] The column appeared black with thick intensity throughout the initial phase. [2]

Recent Activity Context

The volcano eruption today followed four years of relative dormancy after the last recorded activity in 2022. [2] Increasing unrest had been noted since early July 2026, leading PVMBG to expand the danger radius from 2 km to 3 km. [2] Prior to the recent rise, authorities had lowered the alert from Level III to Level II as activity declined. [2] The latest event marked the first significant eruption after that extended quiet period. [2]

Mount Sinabung erupts in North Sumatra sending a 3500-meter black ash column eastward. — Source: gdelt

Impact on Berastagi

Thick ashfall blanketed the Berastagi district to the east-southeast, coating buildings, homes, and roads. [3] Visibility dropped sharply on the main road linking Berastagi to Kabanjahe, affecting drivers. [4] At the UPTD Dinas Sosial office in Desa Raya, ash began accumulating around 10:40 WIB and quickly covered the area. [3] Staff at a local women's rehabilitation center distributed masks to residents and moved training activities indoors for safety. [4] Outdoor sessions were suspended as a direct response to the ash conditions. [3]

Current Alert Level and Safety Recommendations

The volcano remains at Level II (Waspada) alert following the volcano eruption today. [1] Authorities prohibit all activity inside a 3 km radius of the summit and a 4.5 km sectoral radius to the south-east. [5] Residents must avoid relocated villages in the red zone. [2] Warnings continue for lahar risk along rivers that originate on the mountain. [1] PVMBG staff advised residents to stay calm, wear masks when outdoors, and follow official updates. [2]

Official Statements

Armen Putra of the Sinabung observation post stated that ash continued at the summit at 11:14 WIB and urged residents not to panic over the eastward and southeastward ashfall. [1] He confirmed ongoing monitoring of fluctuating volcanic activity that could lead to further eruptions. [2] Badan Geologi head Lana Saria reported that the eruption remained in progress after the initial 10:17 WIB onset and reiterated the exclusion zones plus lahar precautions. [5] Both officials called for continued close coordination between local government and monitoring agencies. [1]

What to watch next: Authorities will continue tracking the still-fluctuating activity at Mount Sinabung, with potential for additional eruptions at any time while the Level II alert stays in place.

Further Reading

• Live Volcano Activity