Mount Sinabung Erupts; Ash Columns Reach 6,500ft
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7 May 2019 12:14 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra erupted again this morning at 07:48 local time. Based on observations, the ash column reaches a height of around 2,000 meters, or roughly 6,500 feet.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency notes that the gray, thick ash columns lean towards the east and southeast.
"Volcanic ash rain fell quite heavily in several villages around Mount Sinabung," BNPB head of data, information and public relations Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in a broadcast on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.
He added that the people did not panic, as they had learned a lot from experiences during previous eruptions.
Read: PVMBG: Status of 20 Indonesian Volcanoes Above Normal
Based on observations over the volcanic ash distribution, the PVMBG issued a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA). The notice is orange, which means that volcanic activities may endanger flights. Updated aviation notices will be issued if significant changes occur.
Currently, Mount Sinabung status is at level IV or 'Alert'. The PVMBG reminds the public to stay outside certain radiuses ranging between 3 and 7 kilometers from the volcano.
The Geology Agency also appealed to the people living near banks of rivers leading from the volcano to be alert for possible lava floods, especially during heavy rainfalls.
TEMPO.CO