Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra Erupts, Alert Level Raised to Level III

RRI.CO.ID, Karo – Mount Sinabung, located in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, spewed a volcanic ash column 3,500 meters above its peak on Monday, August 31, 2026. This volcanic eruption prompted Indonesian authorities to raise the volcano's activity status to Level III (Alert).

A significant increase in Mount Sinabung's activity was observed following the eruption at 12:00 PM WIB. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) officially raised the alert level from Level II (Vigilant) to Level III (Alert), effective as of 12:30 PM WIB on the same day.

The volcanic ash drifted toward the east-southeast, posing health risks to residents living around Berastagi City. In response to the volcanic material exposure, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Karo Regency and Berastagi, alongside inter-agency teams, immediately distributed face masks to the affected areas.

Evacuation measures were also urged by local authorities due to the potential hazard of larger subsequent eruptions. BPBD Karo Regency advised residents within the high-risk zone to evacuate immediately to safer locations in line with PVMBG recommendations.

Joint field officers are still assessing potential casualties and material damage caused by the event. Visual and instrumental monitoring evaluations continue to be updated regularly by officials to prepare for any further activity.

Amidst this increased eruptive activity, the Decree on Emergency Transition Status to Disaster Recovery for the Mount Sinabung Eruption under Number 361/559/BPBD/2026 remains in effect for 90 days, from July 8 to October 5, 2026. Disaster response efforts continue to receive full support from the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) in close coordination with local governments.

To ensure public safety, BNPB urges residents and international tourists to clear the 3-kilometer exclusion zone from the summit, as well as a 6-kilometer sectoral radius toward the south-southeast. People living along rivers originating from Mount Sinabung are advised to stay vigilant for cold lava flows and to wear masks during outdoor activities.