Mount Sinabung Eruption Triggers Evacuations and Flight Disruptions in North Sumatra

Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra erupted on Monday, leading to the evacuation of residents and the temporary closure of Kualanamu International Airport. Indonesian authorities evacuated 615 residents from 211 families in Kuta Tengah village to an emergency response post in Sukatepu Village. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) stated that the evacuation was a precaution against volcanic hazards. Residents of Payung Village also remain on high alert. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano's alert status from Level II to Level III. The eruption produced an ash column approximately 3,500 meters above the summit, prompting authorities to expand the restricted area to include a 3 kilometer radius of the summit and sectors up to 6 kilometers southeast.

The eruption also impacted aviation at Kualanamu International Airport, located about 100 kilometers from the volcano. AirNav Indonesia issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a temporary closure on Monday from 10:50 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. According to PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi, 21 flights were cancelled by Tuesday afternoon, while others faced delays or schedule changes. Airport officials stated that the closure was a flight safety measure and remained dynamic based on the condition of the volcano.