A volcano on the western island of Sumatra erupted Saturday, killing at least 11 people, . It is the first time that officials have seen Mount Sinabung, which stands along the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” claim any lives.
During the past several months, the volcano has become increasingly active, spewing ash high into the air. Thousands of residents were evacuated leading up to Saturday’s erruption.
“Eleven people were killed because of the eruption this morning and the number could increase,” Andi Arief, a presidential staff member, told Reuters. “No evacuations could be made at this stage because of the potential for more eruptions.”