Blackout hits villages after latest Sinabung eruption

Electricity in seven villages in Karo regency, North Sumatra, has been cut off following the latest eruption of Mount Sinabung early Tuesday.

Ali Ginting, an official of the local state power company PT PLN, told kompas.com that they suspected the connection had been disrupted by ash and rain after the eruption.

“There is probably short circuiting,” Ali said.

PLN is still trying to reconnect the power supply in Berastepu, Tiga Serangkai, Parbesi, Laukawar, Suka Nalu, Gamber and Kuta Tengah villages.

The volcano shot black ash 5,000 meters into the air early Tuesday - its most powerful eruption since springing back to life after four centuries of dormancy, sending tremors up to 12 kilometers away.