North Sumatra Governor Urges Karo Residents to Remain Alert Following Mount Sinabung Eruption

The Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, has urged the people of Karo to remain on alert in response to the impacts of the Mount Sinabung eruption, which has ejected thick ash to a height of 3.5 kilometres above the summit.

Bobby stated that the status of Mount Sinabung in the Karo Regency, North Sumatra, has now increased from Level II (Alert) to Level III (Siaga/Alert), and nearby residents are requested to be cautious.

“It is currently at Level III. As the provincial government, we certainly urge the community to remain vigilant and careful, particularly regarding health and road safety,” explained Bobby after opening a coordination meeting on the optimisation of regional original income across North Sumatra at the North Sumatra Governor’s Office on Monday.

The Governor noted that the North Sumatra Provincial Government has prepared approximately 15,000 masks to be distributed to the people of Karo living near the Mount Sinabung site. Additionally, several fire engines have been placed on standby to clear thick dust from crucial areas, such as residential houses and main roads.

“We will monitor the situation throughout the day. For instance, if the dust moves entirely towards Berastagi, schools will not be closed, but distance learning will be implemented,” Bobby added.

The Head of the Sinabung Volcano Observation Post, Armen Putra, reported that the eruption occurred at 10:17 WIB, and as of 11:14 WIB, ash activity was still observed emerging from around the summit.

“The eruption consists of ash moving towards the east and southeast. We are continuing to monitor the situation, and as of 11:14 WIB, ash can still be seen exiting the area around the peak of Mount Sinabung,” said Armen in the Karo Regency, North Sumatra.

He further noted that the eruption was recorded on the seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 120 millimetres, with a temporary duration of approximately one hour, one minute, and 48 seconds.

His office has advised Karo residents not to panic regarding the eruptive activity, but to follow the instructions of officials and remain wary of the impact of ash rain moving towards the east and southeast.

“It is hoped that residents do not panic excessively. This is ash rain moving towards the east and southeast,” Armen concluded.