Medan, N Sumatra, Sept. 2 -- North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has ordered faster evacuations from danger zones around Mount Sinabung after authorities raised the volcano's alert status from Level II (Watch) to Level III (Alert).

Bobby said protecting lives was the top priority and urged local authorities and regional leaders to ensure residents' needs were met.

"Protecting lives must come first," he said on Tuesday after chairing an emergency coordination meeting at the Sinabung Volcano Observation Post in Karo District.

Bobby ordered comprehensive and firm evacuation measures, particularly in red zones, to prepare for a possible increase in Sinabung's volcanic activity.

The Geological Agency's Volcanology and Geological Hazard M...