Volcanoes on Sumatra island - Photo by Indon
Mount Sinabung spewed glowing volcanic lava 1500 feet into the air, which could be seen from about10 miles away.
Two people died, one of a heart attack and the other from respiratory complications while 30,000 people were evacuated to safer places. A majority of the area around the volcano is agricultural land.
Mount Sinabung erupted briefly again on Monday and sent tremors throughout nearby villages.
Indonesia lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a semi-circle of volcanoes and geological fault lines that cause frequent earthquakes around the Pacific Basin.
Small domestic flights were cancelled because of the volcanic dust. Larger planes may not be affected as they can fly over the smoke and dust produced by the volcano. Officials are concerned that if the volcano should erupt again, the smoke could disrupt air traffic.
The Polonia International Airport, which is the closest municipality, is operating normally. If the eruption continues, the smoke could reach up to 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) high and disrupt aviation
“This is the first time since 1600 that Sinabung has erupted and we have little knowledge in terms on its eruptive patterns,” said Surono, head of Indonesia’s vulcanology center.