Kabanjahe, Ekuatorial – Following massive eruptions of Mount Sinabung, one village, Sukameriah, located within three kilometer radius, had been blanketed by volcanic ashes.
“There is now way, we can return to our village. The ashes are already mounting. It is as if it want to form another mountain. My coffee trees are all covered by ashes. I don’t think I can go back,” said Roy, one of Sukameriah villagers at shelter camp.
Furthermore, he said that cold lava flood have inundated Mardinding village knocking down the bridge, the only main transportation. As a result, both villages were isolated.
Up to Thursday (18/6), Sinabung Mountain was still spewing hot ash and lava which potentially threatened south-southeast sector within seven kilometers and southeast – east within six kilometers.
In addition, volcanic activities are still going in the northern area which would lead to land slide and floods in the area.
As a result, Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation on Monday (22/6) recommended for people to evacuate within three kilometer radius from the peak, seven kilometers radius for south –southeast sector.
These areas are Pasarpinter, Gurukinayan – Simpang, Sibintun/Perjumaan, Batukejan, Jembatan Lau Betuken Tiga Pancur, Tiga Pancur – Pejumaan village, Tigabogor, Pintumbesi village and Jeraya village. Meanwhile, for southeast – east sector, Kutatengah villagers have been evacuated.
Other villages, Sukanalu, Sigarang-garang, Kutarakyat, Kutagugung, Lau Lawar, and Mardinding were also evacuated. Mei
