Embassy in Indonesia has issued a natural disaster alert after renewed volcanic activity at Mount Sinabung, as Indonesian authorities warn that further eruptions are possible in a region that includes popular tourist destinations. The embassy issued its Natural Disaster Alert on September 1, a day after Mount Sinabung erupted in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, sending a thick column of ash about 3,500 meters, roughly 11,500 feet, above its summit. Indonesia's Geological Agency said visual and instrumental monitoring showed increased volcanic activity and warned that the August 31 event was an "initial eruption," meaning a larger eruption could follow.
Officials have told residents, visitors and tourists not to enter previously relocated villages or travel within three kilometers, or about 1.9 miles, of the summit. A larger exclusion zone extending six kilometers applies to the south-southeast sector of the volcano. People near rivers originating on Sinabung have also been warned about the potential for lahars, in which water carries volcanic material downstream.
The wider Karo Highlands is a tourism destination, particularly around Berastagi, a mountain town. Indonesia's official tourism website describes Berastagi as a popular weekend destination known for its cool climate, markets, surrounding highlands and views of the Sinabung and Sibayak volcanoes. This is a developing story and will be updated.
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