[REVISION HISTORY]

Mount Sinabung volcanic eruption and renewed activity

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-02 12:40 UTC → 2026-09-05 02:46 UTC · added ~~removed~~

On August 31, 2026, Mount Sinabung in Sumatra erupted, sending a thick column of black volcanic ash approximately 3,500 meters above the peak. The eruption lasted for over an hour and was recorded with a maximum seismographic amplitude of 120 mm. Ash drifted primarily toward the east and southeast. In response, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the alert level from Level II (Alert) to Level III (Siaga). Authorities established exclusion zones prohibiting activity within a 3-kilometer radius of the summit and a wider 6-kilometer restricted sector to the south-southeast. Falling ash has affected residents in the Karo Regency, prompting the distribution of face masks in areas such as Berastagi, Kuta Tengah, and Payung. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) coordinated the evacuation of approximately 615 residents to emergency shelters in Sukatepu village. By September 2, 2026, PVMBG reported renewed activity characterized by thickening black smoke, fire points at the summit, and continuous tremors. Rita Susilawati, head of PVMBG, warned that these signs indicate high levels of internal volcanic activity, suggesting that after a four-year period of dormancy, the volcano may be entering a new cycle of magma dynamics. By September 5, 2026, the North Sumatra ~~Governor Bobby Nasution has overseen emergency operations and visited evacuation centers~~ Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that approximately 201 families, or 650 individuals from Kuta Tengah Village, had sought refuge in ~~Karo Regency. The provincial government has committed to providing clean water, food, sanitation,~~ Suka Tepu Village and ~~bedding to ensure displaced residents, particularly those~~ the Koperasi Desa area. Residents from the 6 km red ~~zone in~~ zone, including Kuta ~~Tengah village, do not return~~ Rakyat Village, were evacuated to ~~dangerous areas prematurely.~~ safe points in the Naman Teran District. To mitigate health risks such as acute respiratory infections (ISPA), BPBD has deployed masks, tents, clean water tankers, and mobile toilets, while coordinating medical escorts with health offices. Karo Police and Brimob personnel are also providing mobility assistance and shuttle services for evacuees.

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