JAKARTA, Sept 1 — Malaysians in or travelling to Karo Regency in North Sumatra have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid areas surrounding Mount Sinabung following its eruption on Monday, which disrupted flights and prompted the evacuation of more than 2,400 residents.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Medan urged Malaysians to follow instructions issued by the Indonesian authorities, saying several flights at Medan’s Kualanamu International Airport, a key gateway to North Sumatra, had reportedly been rescheduled or cancelled due to volcanic ash.

“Those travelling to or from Medan by air should contact their respective airlines directly for the latest information on any flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations,” it said in a statement posted on its social media account on Tuesday.

Mount Sinabung erupted at 10.17am local time on Monday, spewing a thick column of volcanic ash about 3.5 kilometres above its summit, according to Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).

Following the eruption, Indonesia’s Geological Agency raised Mount Sinabung’s status from Level II (Alert) to Level III (Standby) at 12.30pm after visual and instrumental monitoring showed increased volcanic activity.

The consulate said Indonesian authorities had also ordered the evacuation of 2,451 residents from nearby villages as a precautionary measure, while residents and visitors were advised to avoid activities within a three-kilometre radius of the summit and within six kilometres of the south-southeast sector.

The consulate said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates should there be any significant developments.

Malaysians affected or requiring consular assistance may contact the consulate by telephone: +62 823 6164 6046 or by email: mwmedan@kln.gov.my. — Bernama