Indonesia, Karangetang Volcano Eruption

JAKARTA - The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation recommends that residents and visitors not engage in activities within the danger zone of Mount Karangetang on Siau Island, North Sulawesi. This mountain volcanic activity with lava avalanches occurred since November 2018 ago. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) issued a hazard estimation zone recommendation covering a radius of 2.5 km from the summit of Kawah Dua (north) and the main crater (south). In addition, the hazard zone also covers sectors from peak to west - northwest as far as 3 km and to the northwest - North as far as 4 km. The impact of volcanic activity, around 53 families (190 people) displaced at some point. A total of 33 families (122 people) were in Paseng Shelter, 11 families (39) at the GMIST Batubulan School, and 9 families (29) in relatives homes. They are residents who are affected by volcanic activity, namely in the village of Batubulan which has an area of ​​3.96 km2. Population data recorded around 159 families (515 people). In connection with the potential impact on the community, PVMBG recommends that residents who reside in Kampung Batubulan, Kampung Niambangeng and Kampung Beba be evacuated to a place safe from the threat of lava or hot clouds. Volcanic activity also has an impact on material damage such as the access road to Batubulan Village covered with volcanic material up to a height of 50 m with an area of ​​300 m2. The Sitaro Islands Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) also reported that 2 units of the village bridge were severely damaged. The local government and other related elements, such as the TNI, Polri, volunteers have made emergency response efforts. Evacuation and fulfillment of basic needs are provided by the government to survivors. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) also supports the strengthening of command posts in handling emergencies. Based on PVMBG monitoring, rivers that have the potential to become lava flow pathways and avalanches from Kawah Dua include Melebuhe River, Batuare, Batukole, Saboang, Niambangeng, Sumpihi, Kiawang, Kinal and Kawahang. Meanwhile, the hot clouds of avalanches and lava flows currently still lead to the Melebuhe River, but have the potential to change to Kali Batukore and Batuare, and Saboang. The volume of volcanic material can potentially become rain lava in rivers that are upstream in Kawah Dua and Main Crater. Facing volcanic activity that is still ongoing, PVMBG also recommends that residents prepare a nose and mouth mask to anticipate the potential danger of respiratory tract disruption in the event of ash rain. Mount Karangetang, which is 146 km from Manado City, has level III status (Alert) since last December 20, 2018. PVMBG reports that up to now seismic (volcanic) is still fluctuating. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho Head of BNPB Data, Information and Public Relations Center