Mount Sinabung spews towering ash cloud

Mount Sinabung erupted on Monday morning, sending an ash cloud more than 5,000 meters (16,000 feet) towering into the atmosphere. No fatalities or injuries have been reported.

The volcano erupted at 8:53 a.m. Monday WIB (8:53 p.m. Sunday EST) on Indonesia's island of Sumatra, according to the country's National Disaster Management Agency.

The volcanic ash fell on surrounding areas, turning the morning sky dark with visibility down to 5 meters (16 feet).

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Residents and visitors are being encouraged to avoid the area immediately surrounding the volcano, including the 3-km (10,000-foot) radius from the peak.

The agency reports that an unsecured dam along the Laborus River and urge residents downstream to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Some residents, especially the elderly, have sought shelter away from the volcano while crews begin the task of cleaning up the volcanic ash.

The Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre raised the alert level for aviation to red, warning airplanes to avoid the area surrounding Mount Sinabung.