Lahar Floods: Residents Urged to Avoid River Flows Originating from Mount Sinabung
The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) has confirmed that lahar floods occurred in the Mount Sinabung area, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, on Wednesday (9/9). The Head of PVMBG, Rita Susilawati, explained that the floods were monitored from the Mount Sinabung Volcano Observation Post.
She explained that the lahar floods occurred during periods of high-intensity rainfall around the volcano. “It is true that we immediately checked the Mount Sinabung Volcano Observation Post, and our colleagues there reported that on the night of 8 to 9 September, there was a lahar flood,” Rita stated in Bandung on Thursday (10/9).
According to her, the lahar floods passed through the Laborus and Mardinding river flows. Although she did not provide specific details, several villages were reportedly affected, including Perbaji, Sukatende, and Sigarang-garang. “All of these areas are already within the disaster-prone zone of the Mount Sinabung Volcano,” she said.
Despite the incident, she ensured that there were no casualties resulting from the lahar floods at Mount Sinabung. Her agency continues to urge nearby residents to remain cautious. “Information has been provided there; please be careful regarding the potential for lahar floods when heavy rain occurs,” she said.
She further explained that lahar floods occur during heavy rainfall. “This lahar is formed from the remains of eruption products, ranging in size from small to large, mixed with water and carried by river flows,” she explained. She warned that such conditions are dangerous because the materials carried can range from small to large, posing a significant risk.
She once again reminded local residents to avoid river flows that originate from the mountain as a form of preparation in the event of further lahar floods.
In related developments, Baznas RI and Baznas Karo have distributed logistical aid, hygiene kits, and water kitchen services to those displaced by the Mount Sinabung eruption in North Sumatra. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that flight operations at Kualanamu International Airport, North Sumatra, are running normally following the eruption.
Mount Sinabung has erupted and been raised to Alert Level III. A total of 211 families (613 individuals) in Karo have been displaced, with the North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) sending tent assistance. Additionally, all train journeys in the North Sumatra region remain safe and normal following the increased activity of Mount Sinabung over the last three days.