The Jakarta Globe, Sep 24, 2014
Jakarta. North Sumatra’s Mount Sinabung erupted on Wednesday, spewing hot gas, rock and ash up to two kilometers into the sky.
Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), said the eruption this afternoon lasted 1.5 hours, but was not visible due to thick smoke surrounding the peak.
“The frequency of volcanic earthquakes is still high and there is still a high chance of a lava explosion,” Sutopo said.
On Wednesday at least 44 volcanic earthquakes shook the nearby area and constant tremors have been recorded. Officials have issued a “siaga” or Level 3 alert, which means they will be monitoring the situation.
Despite increased volcanic activity, Sutopo said there had not been any evacuations — although villages are said to be on standby.
There are still more than 4,700 people — evacuated during Sinabung’s deadly eruptions at the start of the year — in 17 refugee posts and shelters across Karo District. More than 17,500 people evacuees are estimated to have returned home.
Eruptions in January claimed 17 lives and displaced thousands of people living in the villages of Sukameriah, Bekerah and Simacem in North Sumatra, situated within a three-kilometer radius of the crater.
Flooding, landslides and eruptions also damaged thousands of hectares of farmland and crops
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wo 24 sep 2014 - 23:37