14 Villagers Killed by Molten Debris Spewed by Mount Sinabung

Medan, N Sumatra (Antara) - At least 14 villagers were killed on Saturday by volcanic debris spewed by Mount Sinabung in Karo District, North Sumatra. Spokesperson of the Media Center at the local Disaster Mitigation Camp Post of Kabanjahe, Johnson Tarigan, said the 14 victims were burned by molten debris in Sukameriah Village, Payung Subdistrict. The bodies were removed to Kabanjahe Public Hospital where eight of the victims have since been identified. Among the victims were three students from Kabanjahe Vocational School (SMK), a university student from Kutacane, Aceh, an elementary school teacher, a resident of Sukameriah Village and a resident of Medan. Meanwhile, three villagers, Doni Milala, age 60, Sehat Sembiring, 48, and a son, Surya Sembiring, 21, were seriously injured by volcanic debris. They are being treated at Efarina Etaham Hospital, Kabanjahe. Doni is a resident of Sukameriah Village, while the Sembirings are from Kabanjahe. The three victims were burnt by volcanic debris while returning to their home in Sukameriah Village. The village is located 2.7km from Mount Sinabung's peak. Previously on Friday, Jan 31, the Volcanology and Geology Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) stated that no significant activity had occurred on Mount Sinabung, allowing some villagers to return home. Only villagers living outside the five kilometer radius from the peak were allowed to return to their villages. Head of Data and Information Center of Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said 13,828 villagers had returned to 16 villages located outside the five kilometer radius, while the remaining 30,117 from 32 villages were continuing to take refuge in 42 camps. The 15 villages declared safe were Cimbang, Ujung Payung, Rimo Kayu, Batu Karang, Jeraya, Pintu Besi, Tiga Pancur, Naman, Kuta Mbelin, Kabanyaken, Gung Pinto, Sukandebi, Tiganderket, Kuta Mbaru, and Tanjung Merawa. Sukameriah was not among the villages declared safe by the PVMBG. (*)