Mount Sinabung volcanic ash blankets Berastagi
Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Sinabung has blanketed the town of Berastagi, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, prompting authorities to urge residents and road users in the area to exercise greater caution against the effects of volcanic 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 in Kabanjahe on Monday that 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 members of the school community, from early childhood education, primary schools, junior high schools to senior high and vocational schools, in the affected areas to always wear masks when engaging in outdoor activities,” he said.
In addition to wearing masks, his office has urged schools, students and education personnel 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 the entire school community.
Meanwhile, residents in areas affected by the eruption have been urged to remain alert to volcanic ash and to wear masks, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities.
The public has been advised to follow instructions from 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 (31/8) 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 road sections and vehicle surfaces in the Berastagi area.
The conditions caused air quality to deteriorate and visibility in several locations to become limited, especially during the ash fall.
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.