Hundreds of Village Residents Evacuated After Mount Sinabung’s Activity

RRI.CO.ID, Karo — The residents of Kuta Tengah Village, Simpang Empat, Karo, North Sumatra, have been evacuated due to increased activity at Mount Sinabung. A total of 615 people from 211 families moved to the Emergency Response Center in Sukatepu Village, Naman Teran, Karo, North Sumatra, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

This evacuation was carried out after Mount Sinabung sent a column of ash 3,500 meters above its summit on Monday afternoon, August 31, 2026. The significant increase in volcanic activity led to the volcano’s alert level being officially raised from Level II (Alert) to Level III (Standby).

To anticipate further hazards, authorities have now expanded the disaster-prone zone. Residents are prohibited from engaging in any activities within a three-kilometer radius from the summit and a sectoral radius of up to six kilometers in the southeast direction.

Officials from the Karo Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) moved quickly to sweep through the hazardous area to relocate residents. In addition to directing the evacuation, officials also distributed masks to residents affected by volcanic ash exposure.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) continues to monitor magma movement and potential hazards on a regular basis. Additional monitoring is also being conducted along river channels that originate at the mountain’s summit to anticipate the threat of cold lava floods.

Currently, the local government has declared a Transition from Emergency to Recovery Status, effective for 90 days until October 5, 2026. Meanwhile, residents from other villages, such as Payung Village, are remaining in their homes while maintaining a high level of vigilance.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) urges the entire community to remain calm and adhere to the safe zone boundaries. Residents are expected to continue following official instructions from field personnel to avoid unwanted risks.