Indonesia: Major eruption of Mount Sinabung Dec. 27

Event

Indonesia’s Mount Sinabung volcano, located on Sumatra island, experienced its biggest eruption of the year on Wednesday, December 27, spewing clouds of gas and ash into the atmosphere. Thousands of residents were affected by the shower of falling ash, although no injuries were reported thanks to the at-risk zone having been evacuated earlier. Ash covered entire fields, destroying crops.

Context

Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is frequently affected by volcanic eruptions. Mount Sinabung was dormant for 400 years before resuming activity in 2010. Since then, the volcano's eruptions have killed at least 25 people. In May 2016, seven people were killed in a nearby village after they ignored evacuation orders. Similar eruptions in 2014 killed 16. The latest eruption took place in October 2017, after which Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) established a 3.7-km (2.3-mi) danger zone around the volcano.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor the situation and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders).