Mount Sinabung Eruption Triggers Cold Lava Floods, PVMBG Responds

The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency, under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), has issued a statement regarding the cold lava floods affecting several areas near Mount Sinabung.

As of the time of this report, the status of Mount Sinabung remains at Level III, or ‘Alert’.

The Head of PVMBG, Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati, stated that her team immediately conducted inspections following reports of cold lava flooding in the vicinity of Mount Sinabung.

“Our colleagues on the ground have verified that between 8 and 9 September, lava floods hit the Sinabung area,” Siti explained via a video received by CNBC Indonesia on Thursday (10/9/2026).

Siti detailed that three villages were impacted by the cold lava floods, namely Perbajik, Sukatendel, and Sigarang-garang. “The floods passed through the Lau Borus and Mardingding river flows on the western side. This area is already within the disaster-prone zone of Mount Sinabung, with warnings to remain cautious of the danger of lava flooding should eruptions occur,” said Siti Sumilah.

She explained that these lava floods occurred once again due to heavy rainfall resulting from the remnants of the eruption, where rocks ranging from small to large were carried by the river currents along with the water.

“Communities living upstream, including those near Mount Sinabung, are urged to take preventative measures in case of lava flooding,” Siti clarified.

Siti added that, as of this report, there have been no casualties resulting from the cold lava floods around Mount Sinabung.

“Stay safe, and always seek reliable information,” Siti emphasised.