[SHARE] Volcanic Ash From Sumatra Expected To Reach Malaysia
Spread the word and keep your friends, family and loved ones informed; here's everything you need to know.
By Melody Oei — 12 Feb 2014, 01:45 PM — Updated almost 11 years ago
A Thin Layer Of Ash From A Sumatran Volcano Located West Of Pulau Pangkor Is Expected To Arrive In Parts Of Southwest Peninsula Malaysia
The Meteorological Department in a statement on Monday, 10 Feb 2014, had said that volcanic ash from Mount Sinabung, which erupted over the weekend and again on Monday, could be blown towards the southern states due to a northwesterly wind that is expected to persist until tomorrow.
thestar.com.my
Mount Sinabung spews pyroclastic smoke on Jan. 4, 2014 in Karo District, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
Image via presstv.ir“The amount of ash is not that much at the moment, probably a thin layer. It may be a bit hazy but it will be difficult to say how much,” said National Weather Forecast Centre director Muhammad Helmi Abdullah.
thestar.com.myHe added that an advisory about the volcanic ash had been sent to the aviation industry.
thestar.com.myAffected Areas Could Include Coastal Regions Of Negeri Sembilan, Malacca As Well As Muar, Batu Pahat, Pontian And Kulaijaya In Johor
National Weather Forecast Centre director Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the affected areas could include coastal regions of Negeri Sembilan, Malacca as well as Muar, Batu Pahat, Pontian and Kulaijaya in Johor.
WHAT TO DO: Wear Masks Or Use A Cloth Or Wet Handkerchief As A Respiratory Protective Device If The Air Is Polluted
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also advised Malaysians to wear masks or using a cloth or a wet handkerchief as a respiratory protective device if the air is polluted.
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"Children, elderly people and those who have medical problems should avoid or reduce outdoor activities during this time. People are also advised to drink plenty of water, frequently wash the face and other parts of the body that are exposed."
yahoo.comThe Public Is Advised To Refrain From Driving In Ashy Conditions Since It May Be Difficult Due To Poor Visibility And Could Result In Accidents
The public may experience DRY COUGH, sore throat and nasal irritation while asthmatics would be more likely to suffer breathing problems due to inhalation of ash.
EYE DISCOMFORT or irritation would be especially difficult for those using contact lenses.
The Department of Environment (DOE) Will Be Taking Air Pollutant Index Readings Every Hour
In Johor Baru, state Department of Environment (DOE) director Mokhtar Abdul Majid said they would be taking Air Pollutant Index (API) readings every hour to assess the air quality.
“All this depends on the direction and speed of the wind but we will issue updates accordingly,” he said.
thestar.com.myAny API reading between 51 to 100 is considered as moderate, 100 to 200 as unhealthy, 200 to 300 as very unhealthy and 300 and above as hazardous.
thestar.com.myMount Sinabung Has Been Active Since 15 Sept, Its Latest Eruption Started On 30 Jan 2014, Emitting Hot Ash In The Air At 5km High
AFP reported 15 people were killed when Sinabung erupted over the weekend, shooting hot ash and rocks into the air. Authorities had evacuated about 30,000 people.
thestar.com.my
When contacted, an official from The Department of Civil Aviation said that flight operations throughout Malaysia were currently unaffected.
thestar.com.myIn Indonesia, Repatriation Approved By The Volcanology And Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) Is Scheduled To Start Sunday
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is sticking to its plan to send home evacuees living beyond a 5-kilometer radius from Mount Sinabung in Karo regency, North Sumatra, despite the eruption last week that killed 16 people.
People from the 15 villages and two hamlets within 5 km of the volcano are still forbidden from returning home.
To alleviate the stress and tension faced the by the evacuees, a government-funded social programme offering temporary jobs has been trying to keep up their spirits. The "Cash-for-Work" programme not only keeps their minds actively focused, but evacuees are also benefiting psychologically and financially from it.
Debris from homes lie scattered on the ground after eruptions from Mount Sinabung at the Sigarang-garang village in Karo, Indonesia. (AFP/ADEK BERRY)
Image via channelnewsasia.com
Villagers prepare dinner at a temporary evacuation shelter evacuation shelter for people displaced by the erupting Mount Sinabung February 05, 2014 in Berastagi village, Karo District, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
Image via google.com
Villagers who were affected by volcanic ash from the Mount Sinabung eruption, form a long queue to pick up donation in Batu Karang, North Sumatra, Indonesia on Feb. 9, 2014.
Image via tumblr.com
A family prays before their dinner in a temporary evacuation shelter for people displaced by the erupting Mount Sinabung February 05, 2014 in Berastagi village.
Image via Getty Images