Berastagi Town Blanketed in Volcanic Ash Following Mount Sinabung Eruption
Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Sinabung has blanketed the town of Berastagi in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, prompting authorities to urge residents and road users in the area to exercise heightened caution against the effects of the ash.
The Regional Education Office Branch IV of the North Sumatra Provincial Education Office has called on all students and teachers in schools within the affected area to wear masks as a precaution against exposure to volcanic ash, which can harm health, particularly the respiratory system.
Head of the Karo Regional Education Office Branch IV, Zulkarnain Barus, said the safety and health of students and teaching staff are a priority amid the heightened volcanic activity of Mount Sinabung.
“In connection with Mount Sinabung erupting again and emitting volcanic ash, we urge all school communities, from early childhood education, primary, junior secondary to senior secondary and vocational schools, in the affected areas to always wear masks when carrying out outdoor activities,” he said.
In addition to wearing masks, his office has urged schools, students and education staff to increase vigilance and maintain cleanliness to reduce the risk of exposure to volcanic ash.
Zulkarnain also asked schools to follow developments and directives from the authorities regarding Mount Sinabung’s activity.
The appeal was issued as a precautionary measure so that educational activities can continue while prioritising the safety and health of all school communities.
Meanwhile, residents in areas affected by the eruption have been asked to remain alert to volcanic ash and to wear masks, especially when carrying out outdoor activities.
Residents are urged to follow the instructions of officials and not to approach areas designated as danger zones for the sake of collective safety.
Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, erupted again on Monday, 31 August, at around 10.17 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, with an ash column observed rising to approximately 3,500 metres above the summit.
Volcanic ash was seen covering a number of roads and vehicle surfaces in the Berastagi area.
The conditions caused a decline in air quality and limited visibility in several locations, especially while ash was falling.
A number of Indonesian National Armed Forces personnel also took to the streets to help distribute free masks to motorists and pedestrians passing through the affected area.