Malaysians advised to stay vigilant following Mount Sinabung eruption
JAKARTA: Malaysians in or travelling to Karo Regency in North Sumatra have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid areas surrounding Mount Sinabung following its eruption on Monday, which disrupted flights and prompted the evacuation of more than 2,400 residents.
Malaysians residing in or traveling to Karo Regency, North Sumatra, have been warned to remain cautious and avoid areas surrounding Mount Sinabung following its eruption on Monday. The eruption disrupted flights and led to the evacuation of over 2,400 residents. The Consulate General of Malaysia in Medan advised Malaysians to adhere to instructions provided by Indonesian authorities, as several flights at Medan's Kualanamu International Airport, a major gateway to North Sumatra, have been rescheduled or canceled due to volcanic ash.
Those traveling to or from Medan by air are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates on any flight delays, rescheduling, or cancellations. Mount Sinabung erupted at 10:17am local time on Monday, emitting a dense column of volcanic ash approximately 3.5km above its peak, according to Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.
Following the eruption, the Indonesian Geological Agency raised Mount Sinabung's alert level from Level II (Alert) to Level III (Standby) at 12:30pm based on visual and instrumental monitoring indicating heightened volcanic activity. The consulate reported that Indonesian authorities also ordered the evacuation of 2,451 residents from nearby villages as a precautionary measure, and recommended that residents and visitors stay clear of a 3km radius around the summit and a 6km radius of the south-southeast sector.
The consulate pledged to closely monitor the situation and provide updates if there are any significant developments. Malaysians in need of consular assistance may contact the consulate via telephone at +62 823 6164 6046 or by email at mwmedan@kln.gov.my.
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