REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed sadness over the fatalities due to volcanic debris following hot clouds spewed by Mount Sinabung in Karo District, North Sumatra province on Saturday.

"I am sad as I have warned them to stay patiently in the shelters and may return to their villages only after they are safe," the president said through his twitter account on Sunday.

In addition, President Yudhoyono has instructed Syamsul Maarif, head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to take appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

"The people have to obey the security personnel and avoid the danger zones. Eruption could recur any time. Be alert and anticipate the worst possible case," the president pointed out.

"Let's pray for the 14 victims of Mount Sinabung's eruption," Yudhoyono said.

Previously, the President decided to resettle 3,437 evacuees of the Mount Sinabung eruptions, residing in five villages within the 3km radius of the volcano, stated North Sumatra Governor Gatot Pujo Nugroho.

The President was quoted as saying that the government planned to decide temporary locations for the refugees, which were at a distance of about 5 to 7 kilometers from the mountain and not far from their villages.

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