Mount Marapi eruption spews volcanic ash 500 metres high

Padang (ANTARA) - The Mount Marapi Observation Post (PGA) reported that the eruption of the volcano, located in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra Province, spewed volcanic ash 500 metres high.

“An eruption of Mount Marapi occurred at 10.19 WIB with the height of the ash column observed at around 500 metres above the summit,” said PGA Mount Marapi officer Bilal Allegra Munbaits in Padang City, Saturday.

In its report, the ash column was observed to be grey in colour with moderate intensity towards the southeast. The eruption was recorded on the seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 29.8 millimetres and a duration of 32 seconds.

Currently, the 2,891-metre-high volcano is at Level II or Alert status. This means that the public is prohibited from carrying out activities within a three-kilometre radius of the activity centre (Verbeek Crater).

In addition, the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre (PVMBG) also reminded the public of the threat of potential cold lava flows, especially for those who live along the riverbanks that originate from the summit of the volcano.

This condition is especially true during rain or the rainy season. Furthermore, if ash rain occurs, the public is advised to use masks to cover their nose and mouth to avoid respiratory problems.

PGA officers continuously remind the public that the accumulation of material from the volcanic eruption can cause the emergence of water flows that can potentially cause cold lava floods at any time.