Geological Agency warns of ongoing potential for toxic gases at Mount Marapi
In the crater area or summit of Mount Marapi, there is also potential danger from toxic volcanic gases.
Padang (ANTARA) - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has reminded the public of the ongoing potential for toxic volcanic gases around the crater or summit of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra (Sumbar).
“In the crater area or summit of Mount Marapi, there is also potential danger from toxic volcanic gases,” said Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Ministry of ESDM, Lana Saria, in a written statement received in Padang on Tuesday.
This was conveyed by Lana Saria in relation to the evaluation of Mount Marapi’s activity, located in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra Province, for the period 1 to 15 April 2026.
In the evaluation of Mount Marapi’s activity compiled by the Geological Agency, there are at least four types of toxic volcanic gases. First, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and hydrogen sulphide (H2S).
Considering the ongoing potential for toxic gases at the crater or summit of the 2,891 metres above sea level volcano, the Geological Agency has issued several important recommendations, including advising the public to wear masks covering the nose and mouth if ash rain occurs to avoid respiratory tract infections (ISPA).
In addition, the Geological Agency, together with the Mount Marapi Volcano Observatory Post (PGA) in Bukittinggi, has prohibited the public, hikers, visitors, or tourists from entering and conducting activities within a three-kilometre radius of the centre of activity (Verbeek Crater) of Mount Marapi.
Furthermore, the Geological Agency has urged residents living around valleys, riverbanks, or rivers originating from the summit of Mount Marapi to remain vigilant against the potential and threat of lahar floods that could occur, especially during the rainy season.
The recommendations issued by the Geological Agency are also related to Mount Marapi’s status, which remains at Level II or Alert. The volcano’s activity level will be evaluated periodically or if there are significant changes in activity.