Ash debris from the eruption of Sinabung Volcano in Sumatra Island, Indonesia yesterday (August 10) was expected to enter Malaysia’s airspaces.
According to a statement by the director-general of Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the debris will not affect the country’s air pollution index (API), despite their direction heading east and southeast from Sumatra.
“We expected the debris to reach the country’s atmosphere along northern parts of the Straits of Malacca and eastern Peninsula Malaysia, but visibility for aircraft operations are only obscured around 1,524 to 4,267 metres above the earth’s surface,” Jailan explained.
“Meanwhile, we’ve issued warnings for aircraft operators to refrain from using the surrounding air passages for fear of causing flight discomfort,” he mentioned.
A source from the statement claimed that the Sinabung Volcano had been dormant since the 1600s. It wasn’t until 2010 that the volcano resumed tectonic activities. The last eruption reported was in February 2018.
Jailan said that no volcano aftermath like an earthquake and tsunami will strike the country.
“Malaysia’s current API shows normal air qualities,” he noted. “The public is encouraged to stay updated with any new information shared by MetMalaysia, via our official website, myCuaca mobile app and social media.”
Rosli Mansor
