Number Of Evacuees After Mount Sinabung Eruption Increases

Medan, North Sumatra, Sept 16 (Antara) - The number of people fleeing their homes after the eruption of Mount Sinabung in Sumatra has increased from 3,710 to 5,956, as of Monday, September 16. "On Sunday, the number of evacuees was 3,710," said Head of Data Information and Public Relations of the National Disaster Management Agency Sutopo Purwo Nugroho on Monday . Sutopo added that the organisation has counted the number of evacuees in camps in Karo District. The seven evacuation camps are Jambur Sempakata (2,730 evacuees); the city`s GBKP Klasik church (590 evacuees); the city`s GBKP church (1,400 evacuees); Jambur Desa Payung (420 evacuees); Jambur Taras Berastagi (750 evacuees); Masjid Agung (60 evacuees); and PPWG Kabanjahe (56 evacuees). Most of the evacuees are from six villages located within a three kilometre radius from Mount Sinabung, and they have evacuated their homes as per the recommendation of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). The six villages are Simacem, Bekerah, Sukameriah, Sukanalu Teran, Sigarang-garang, and Mardingding. Residents have also relocated livestock to protect them from volcanic ashes spewed during the eruption. The North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is providing assistance to the evacuees and has established a common kitchen for them. Besides, two thousand blankets have been provided for shelter. "Many parties are assisting the evacuees," said Sutopo.