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KARO, 𝗯𝗵𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗸𝘀𝗮.𝗻𝗲𝘁– Mount Sinabung, located in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, has shown a significant escalation in volcanic activity since early this week. After launching a thick column of volcanic ash reaching 3,500 meters (11,480 feet) above its peak, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) officially raised the volcano’s status from Level II (Watch) to Level III (High Alert). Local governments quickly implemented mitigation strategies due to the rising threat of volcanic materials and potential pyroclastic flows.
Evacuation of Residents and Social Impacts at Shelters
According to the latest data from the Karo Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), at least 650 residents—approximately 211 households—from Kuta Tengah Village in the Simpang Empat District have been evacuated. Impacted villagers are currently staying at the Jambur Emergency Response Outpost in Sukatepu Village, Naman Teran District.
While basic logistics such as community kitchens, clean water supplies, and bedding have been deployed by the provincial government alongside military and police personnel, several evacuees initially reported limited sanitation facilities during the early setup phase of the shelter. Meanwhile, neighboring Payung Village has been placed under full alert, with tactical evacuation options ready should conditions deteriorate further.
Severe Losses in Agricultural Businesses and Air Transportation
The surge in volcanic activity has not only sparked a humanitarian crisis but is also stifling the region’s economy and macroeconomics. Heavy volcanic ash fall has reportedly begun blanketting hundreds of hectares of productive agricultural land around the slopes of Mount Sinabung, threatening Karo’s signature vegetable and fruit commodities with widespread crop failure.
In the transport and business logistics sectors, the spread of volcanic ash across North Sumatra’s airspace disrupted flight operations. Airport authorities implemented a temporary shutdown at Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) to ensure strict flight safety. As a result, more than 20 domestic and international flight schedules to and from Kualanamu were canceled or delayed, including major connecting routes to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
Danger Zone Recommendations from Authorities
Armen Putra, an officer at the Mount Sinabung Volcanic Observation Post, emphasized that volcanic conditions inside the mountain remain highly volatile. PVMBG issued a strict recommendation advising the public, tourists, and logistics operators to halt all activities within a 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) radius of the active peak.
Additionally, a sector-specific ban extends up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) toward the south-southeast to avoid the primary path of pyroclastic flows. Residents living along rivers originating from Mount Sinabung are also urged to maintain high vigilance against potential cold lava mudflows, especially when heavy rain hits the Karo region.
Reporter: Haposan Sinabutar
Editor: bhayaksa.net Team
