Mount Sinabung Remains at Alert Level III, Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant
The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has determined that the activity level of Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, has remained at Level III (Alert) since 31 August 2026. Amidst this status, relevant authorities have issued a special warning regarding the potential for secondary hazards in the form of cold lava flows triggered by rainfall at the summit.
The Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, stated that the agency is continuing to intensify monitoring of volcanic activity through both visual and instrumental methods. Residents living near river flows are requested to increase their vigilance, given that eruption materials have the potential to be carried by rainwater downstream.
“In addition to the direct threats of incandescent rock projections and ash dispersal, the community is also reminded of the potential secondary hazard of lava flows, particularly during the rainy season,” said Lana Saria in a special report on Sunday (6/9/202 ประวัติ).
According to Geological Agency records, visual observations show thick white crater smoke plumes reaching heights of 300 to 500 metres above the summit. Although the condition of the old lava dome appears relatively stable, monitoring instruments still record high SO2 gas emissions and seismic activity, indicating a supply of magma at shallow depths.
“Lava flows may cross rivers in the south-western sector that originate from the summit of Mount Sinabung,” the report stated.
Adjustment of Safety Recommendation Zones
Following periodic evaluations, the government has also adjusted the safety recommendation zones for residents, visitors, and tourists:
General Radius: The public is prohibited from any activities within a 3-kilometre radius of the Mount Sinabun summit.
Sectoral Radius: The sectoral area in the south-eastern sector has been adjusted from the previous 6 kilometres to 5 kilometres.
The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has urged local governments to continue active coordination with the Mount Sinabung Volcano Observation Post located in Ndokum Siroga Village. Residents are advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to comply with all technical directions to minimise disaster risks.
“Evaluations of Mount Sinabung’s activity level will be conducted periodically or whenever significant changes occur. The community is expected to remain calm, vigilant, and follow directions from the authorities for collective safety,” the report concluded.