Mt. Sinabung Eruption 2013-2015, Indonesia

Abstract

Mt.Sinabung, which is located in the north side of Sumatra Island, has made the first steam explosion in the historical record in August 2010. After three years of the lull, the volcano became active again in September 2013 and it has continued until now. This report describes the field reconnaissance results conducted in December, 2015. The pyroclastic flow deposits were widely spread from the east to south-southeast slopes of the volcano, and the tongueshaped deposit of lava flow has been accumulated in the center of the pyroclastic flow deposits. The riverbed of Borus River rose remarkably at the downstream. It is thought that the sediment supply of pyroclastic deposit has continued flowing into the Borus River until now. On the other hand, debris flows have occurred frequently in the rivers/stream located in south to south-west slopes, and have caused damages to villages, main roads, and the bridges. It is assumed that debris flows easily occur after the eruption. The residents in the village of the east to south slopes have been already evacuated, and gabions and check dams are currently under construction as the emergency measures. Permanent measures are required to be implemented subsequently.