Governor ensures maximum handling of Sinabung refugees
Karo (ANTARA) - North Sumatra Governor Bobby Afring Nasution has ensured that 280 residents of Kuta Tengah Village, Karo Regency, have been evacuated to displacement sites following increased volcanic activity at Mount Sinabung, which is currently at Level III (Alert) status.
Governor Bobby personally inspected the evacuation site in Sukatepu Village, Karo Regency, on Tuesday afternoon to ensure the evacuation process from danger zones and the fulfilment of refugees’ basic needs are proceeding smoothly.
“The most important thing is evacuating the residents. It was reported by the Geological Agency that two villages are the highest priority, as they fall within the radius of potential eruption. One of them is Kuta Tengah Village,” he stated at the evacuation site.
He noted that public safety is the government’s priority, particularly for residents located within the danger radius based on recommendations from the Geological Agency.
The government will continue to evaluate the volcanic activity of Mount Sinabung to determine subsequent management steps. If activity increases, the evacuation radius may be expanded; conversely, if activity decreases and conditions are deemed safe, the volcano’s status may be lowered to Level II (Caution).
“We are ensuring that the facilities here are prioritised. We do not want displaced residents to feel uncomfortable and then suddenly return to their homes,” he said.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government, alongside the Karo Regency Government, is ensuring that the basic needs of refugees—ranging from food and clean water to bedding and toilets—are available.
The government also responded to residents’ complaints regarding waiting several hours after leaving their homes without receiving food or drink.
“We from the province did not come here just to observe. Whatever is needed, please let us know, and we will support it. We have prepared food and brought clean water,” Bobby said.
In addition to basic necessities, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is arranging transport support for displaced children so they can continue their schooling. The government responded to residents’ requests for buses to transport students from the evacuation sites.
To prevent health issues caused by exposure to volcanic ash, the government has been distributing masks since the initial eruption at approximately 10:17 WIB.
The management efforts involve the North Sumatra Provincial Government, Karo Regency Government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the National Police (Polri).
Health posts and medical service vehicles have also been prepared at the evacuation sites. Should the emergency response situation continue, the North Sumatra Provincial Government will strengthen health services by deploying mobile health buses to provide medical care according to the community’s needs.
Bobby stated that, so far, there have been no reports of damage to buildings or houses due to the eruption. The economic impact has not yet been calculated as the government is currently prioritising public safety.
As a mitigation measure, tourist areas around Mount Sinabung have been closed to prevent tourists and the public from entering potentially hazardous zones.
“The government ensures that the availability of logistics and food stocks for refugees remains secure and will continue to be monitored throughout the emergency response period,” he said.