Geological Agency asks residents to be alert to increased activity of Mount Sinabung

JAKARTA - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) asked the public to increase vigilance against the increased volcanic activity of Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra (North Sumatra), following the increase in earthquakes in recent days.

Acting Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria said the increased activity of Mount Sinabung was marked by the recording of continuous tremors or tremors since Thursday (21/5) evening.

The team of Experts in Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency reported that the results of monitoring earthquakes showed tremors with a maximum amplitude of 4 millimeters were recorded last night from 23.53 WIB and still ongoing until Friday, May 22 afternoon.

In addition, it was also recorded that there were blow-up earthquakes, low-frequency earthquakes, and hybrid earthquakes which were previously rare.

As reported by ANTARA, Lana said that the increase in activity needed to be watched out for given the potential dangers that could occur in the form of phreatic eruptions and magmatic eruptions.

In addition to this, the increase in pressure in the magmatic system also has the potential to trigger the demolition of the lava dome in the peak area of Mount Sinabung.

Visual observations showed a thin to moderate white crater plume with an altitude of between 50 - 500 meters above the lava dome.

The Geological Agency reminds the public, tourists, and climbers not to carry out activities within a radius of two kilometers from the peak of Mount Sinabung, as well as a sectoral radius of 3.5 kilometers in the south-east sector of the mountain.

In addition to the threat of eruption, he said, the public was also asked to be aware of the potential for secondary hazards in the form of lava flows, especially during the rainy season, which can cross the river channels in the southwest sector upstream of the mountain peak.

The Geological Agency also asked local governments (local governments) and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to continue to strengthen coordination with the Sinabung Volcano Observation Post and appealed to the public to follow official information regarding the development of the mountain's activities.