Jakarta, ThedailyID — Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, erupted on Monday, August 31, sending an ash column 3,500 meters above its peak. The eruption marked the volcano’s first eruption since 2022.
The eruption occurred at 10:17 a.m. local time. A thick, black ash column was observed moving east and southeast, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
Following the eruption, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised Mount Sinabung’s status from Level II, or Alert, to Level III, or Standby.
Authorities also moved to evacuate 2,451 residents from two villages located near the volcano, Payung and Kuta Tengah.
“Based on last night’s coordination meeting, residents will be evacuated today. Payung Village and Kuta Tengah Village are quite close to Mount Sinabung, so the villages need to be evacuated,” said North Sumatra BPBD official Sri Wahyuni Pancasilawati, cited from CNN Indonesia, Tuesday (01/09).
Payung has 2,051 residents who will be relocated to Batukarang Village. Meanwhile, 400 residents from Kuta Tengah will move to Sukatepu Village.
Authorities have prepared tents as temporary shelters. The military and police will also assist with the evacuation.
BNPB said the eruption followed a rise in volcanic activity. Before the eruption, monitoring equipment recorded 85 volcanic earthquakes, one emission earthquake and one harmonic tremor.
“The increase in status took effect on Monday, August 31, at 12:30 p.m., based on visual and instrumental monitoring showing increased volcanic activity,” BNPB disaster communication official Berton Panjaitan said.
Berton said the eruption could be an initial event, with the possibility of a larger eruption. Residents have therefore been urged to remain alert and follow safety recommendations issued by PVMBG.
