The evacuation route has been established. We can directly use it (when the need arises).
Padang Aro, W Sumatra (ANTARA) - The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of South Solok district, West Sumatra province, will provide masks to local residents to mitigate the impact of the eruption of Mount Kerinci, which could cause health problems.

"We have assessed the impact of the eruption of Mount Kerinci on Letter W area and Kubang Gajah village, Sangir sub-district. It turns out that volcanic ash is visible in agricultural areas and residents' housing in the regions," head of the South Solok BPBD, Novi Hendrix, informed on Thursday.

In addition to volcanic ash, the smell of sulfur has also been reported by people in Letter W area in the past two days.

"The residents said that the smell of sulfur stings in the morning," the South Solok BPBD head recalled.

The smell also made the residents’ respiratory tract itchy, he added.

To prevent further health problems, his party immediately distributed masks to affected villages.

"Later, we will hand over the masks to the village heads and they are the ones who will distribute the mask to the residents," Hendrix said.

As the volcanic activity of Mount Kerinci is still unstable, he appealed to residents living around the mountain to increase vigilance and use masks while stepping outside their houses.

Furthermore, the local district government has prepared an evacuation route for residents affected by future eruptions of Mount Kerinci.

"The evacuation route has been established. We can directly use it (when the need arises)," the South Solok BPBD head said.

Mount Kerinci, which is located on the border of Kerinci district, Jambi province, and South Solok district, West Sumatra province, has spewed volcanic ash a number of times since Wednesday.

Kerinci volcano observation post officer Irwan Syafwa said that the ash columns headed toward the northeast and east.

"We urge the people in Pelompek, Kerinci district, Jambi province, to Kubang Gajah, South Solok district, West Sumatra province, to be vigilant of the impacts of volcanic ash caused by the eruption of Mount Kerinci," he said.

Related news: Be vigilant against Mount Kerinci eruption's volcanic ash: PGA Post
Related news: Mount Kerinci ejects 200-meter-high column of volcanic ash



.





Translator: Mario Nasution, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023