North Sumatra governor ensures basic needs for Sinabung eruption evacuees

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution said displaced residents from Karo would receive the basic services needed to remain at evacuation sites while Mount Sinabung’s activity continues.

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The North Sumatra provincial government is also continuing to strengthen emergency response, especially for residents in the red zone of Mount Sinabung’s activity.

During a visit to evacuees at Jambur in Suka Tepu village, Naman Teran district, Nasution said the provincial government was strengthening emergency measures, especially for residents in the volcano’s red zone. Authorities have prioritized evacuating people from dangerous areas, including Kuta Tengah village in Simpang Empat district.

More than 600 people live in Kuta Tengah, and about 280 had been moved to the Suka Tepu evacuation post. Nasution urged residents to remain patient and not return home until the government gives an official safety instruction.

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We urge residents to remain patient and not return home before there is an official instruction from the government regarding the safety of the area.

The government said it would improve conditions at the shelter so evacuees would not feel pressured to return to hazardous areas. Measures include adequate sleeping facilities, mats, blankets, clean water, additional lighting and improved sanitation and toilets. Officials also said food and drink supplies were secure, with support vehicles ready to distribute essential goods.

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We are ensuring the facilities here, including sleeping arrangements, water, toilets and food.

Authorities also plan to provide buses for schoolchildren affected by the evacuation. Nasution asked military and police personnel to protect the farms and livestock residents left behind. Armen Putra, head of the Sinabung Volcano Observation Post, urged Karo residents to remain alert. The volcano remains at Level III, or Alert status, and the evacuation of settlements serves as a required mitigation measure to prepare for the worst possible situation.

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In addition to basic needs, the North Sumatra provincial government will also prepare transport buses specifically for schoolchildren affected at the evacuation site.