KARO — Mount Sinabung, located in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, has recorded a major new eruption, spewing a thick volcanic ash column reaching approximately 3,500 meters above its peak.
The eruption generated significant ash plumes that drifted toward nearby residential zones, prompting authorities to urge residents and visitors to maintain a safe distance and stay prepared for potential secondary hazards such as ashfall and cold lava flows.
Officers at the Mount Sinabung Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) observation post reported that the eruption occurred with considerable amplitude, accompanied by distinct seismic vibrations recorded on the monitoring seismograph.
In light of the heightened activity, official disaster management agencies have reiterated strict warnings to local communities and tourists. The public is strongly advised against conducting any activities within the designated red zones, particularly around the danger radius established by volcanologists.
Residents residing along river basins near the mountain slopes have also been warned to stay vigilant against potential cold lava flows (lahar dingin), especially during periods of heavy rainfall over the summit.
“We advise everyone to remain cautious, wear protective face masks when outdoors to prevent respiratory issues from falling ash, and adhere strictly to all official safety directives issued by local government and emergency services,” stated an emergency response coordinator on site.
Local disaster response personnel, along with volunteer security teams, have been deployed to distribute face masks to residents in affected villages. Patrols along entry checkpoints leading toward dangerous hazard zones have also been intensified to prevent unauthorized entry by visitors or local farmers trying to access high-risk agricultural lands.
Mount Sinabung is a active stratovolcano located in the Karo Plateau of North Sumatra. After lying dormant for over 400 years, the volcano unexpectedly woke up in August 2010 with a series of severe explosive eruptions. Since then, Sinabung has experienced prolonged periods of volcanic restlessness, characterized by dome growth, pyroclastic flows (awan panas), and frequent ash emissions that have permanently displaced thousands of local residents from nearby farming villages.
Karo Regency is widely recognized as one of North Sumatra’s primary agricultural and horticulture hubs, supplying fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers across the province and beyond. Volcanic ash fall poses a dual threat to the region: while volcanic soil provides long-term mineral fertility, immediate heavy ash deposits damage standing crops, cause financial ruin for local farmers, and trigger acute respiratory tract infections (ISPA) among vulnerable populations. Regional health and agricultural agencies continuously monitor ash dispersal patterns to deploy targeted emergency relief and agricultural support.
