Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Sinabung has blanketed the\ntown of Berastagi in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, prompting authorities\nto urge residents and road users in the area to exercise heightened\ncaution against the effects of the ash.<\/p>\n
The Regional Education Office Branch IV of the North Sumatra\nProvincial Education Office has called on all students and teachers in\nschools within the affected area to wear masks as a precaution against\nexposure to volcanic ash, which can harm health, particularly the\nrespiratory system.<\/p>\n
Head of the Karo Regional Education Office Branch IV, Zulkarnain\nBarus, said the safety and health of students and teaching staff are a\npriority amid the heightened volcanic activity of Mount Sinabung.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn connection with Mount Sinabung erupting again and emitting\nvolcanic ash, we urge all school communities, from early childhood\neducation, primary, junior secondary to senior secondary and vocational\nschools, in the affected areas to always wear masks when carrying out\noutdoor activities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In addition to wearing masks, his office has urged schools, students\nand education staff to increase vigilance and maintain cleanliness to\nreduce the risk of exposure to volcanic ash.<\/p>\n
Zulkarnain also asked schools to follow developments and directives\nfrom the authorities regarding Mount Sinabung\u2019s activity.<\/p>\n
The appeal was issued as a precautionary measure so that educational\nactivities can continue while prioritising the safety and health of all\nschool communities.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, residents in areas affected by the eruption have been\nasked to remain alert to volcanic ash and to wear masks, especially when\ncarrying out outdoor activities.<\/p>\n
Residents are urged to follow the instructions of officials and not\nto approach areas designated as danger zones for the sake of collective\nsafety.<\/p>\n
Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, erupted again on\nMonday, 31 August, at around 10.17 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, with an\nash column observed rising to approximately 3,500 metres above the\nsummit.<\/p>\n
Volcanic ash was seen covering a number of roads and vehicle surfaces\nin the Berastagi area.<\/p>\n
The conditions caused a decline in air quality and limited visibility\nin several locations, especially while ash was falling.<\/p>\n
A number of Indonesian National Armed Forces personnel also took to\nthe streets to help distribute free masks to motorists and pedestrians\npassing through the affected area.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/berastagi-town-blanketed-in-volcanic-ash-following-mount-sinabung-eruption-1788166312", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }