Indonesia: volcanic ash forces closure of Alas Leuser airport

4/9/2018 - 10:25:11 AM

Indonesian authorities closed an airport in Aceh province on April 7 after Mount Sinabung volcano on the neighbouring island of Sumatra erupted, a local official said.

Photo of Mount Sinabung volcano taken on February 19 (Source: Xinhua/VNA)

Spokesman of the Indonesian Ministry ò Transport Bambang Ervan said NOTAM (notice to airmen) for the closure of Alas Leuser airport was issued on April 7 due to volcanic ash.

The shutdown began at 12:47 the same day (local time), the spokesman said.

Mount Sinabung in Karo district spewed a column of volcanic ash and pyrolastic materials into the sky on April 6, according to the national disaster management agency.

Mount Sinabung is one of the 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia. Areas around the crater of the volcano have been off-limits for several years because of frequent volcanic activity.

At least ten people were killed and thousands of people were evacuated in 2014 when the volcano woke up after four decades.

Source: VNA

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