Mount Sinabung raised to alert level after 3,500-meter ash eruption

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2 hours ago

Karo (ANTARA) – Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra has been upgraded from Level II (Caution) to Level III (Alert) following increased volcanic activity and an eruption that produced an ash column reaching approximately 3,500 meters above the summit.

The Geological Agency raised the alert status in Karo District on Monday, effective at 12:30 p.m. local time, following an eruption at 10:17 a.m. local time.

The eruption’s ash column reached approximately 3,500 meters above the summit, or roughly 5,960 meters above sea level.

Following the elevation to Level III (Alert), residents, visitors, and tourists are advised against engaging in any activities within the villages that have been relocated.

Residents are also prohibited from conducting activities within a three-kilometer radius of Mount Sinabung’s summit and within a six-kilometer sectoral radius in the south-southeast sector.

In addition to the threat of eruptions, people living near rivers originating from Mount Sinabung are urged to remain vigilant regarding the potential for lahar floods.

The Geological Agency advises the public to remain calm and not be swayed by unverified information or rumors concerning Mount Sinabung’s activity.

The public is urged to follow directives issued by the North Sumatra Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the Karo District BPBD.

Local government authorities, including the North Sumatra and Karo District BPBDs, are also requested to maintain active coordination with the Mount Sinabung Volcano Observation Post in Ndokum Siroga Village, Simpang Empat Sub-district, Karo District.

Updates on Mount Sinabung’s activity can be monitored via the MAGMA Indonesia application, as well as through the official channels of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) and the Geological Agency.