Mount Marapi erupts, sending ash column 2,000 metres high

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reported that Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted, sending a volcanic ash column approximately 2,000 metres above the peak. Acting Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria stated in a Jakarta briefing on Saturday that the volcanic activity of the mountain, which stands at about 4,891 metres above sea level, was recorded at 08:42 WIB this morning. “The ash column was observed as grey with thick intensity, drifting towards the northeast. The eruption was recorded on the seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 30 mm and a duration of one minute and 25 seconds,” she said. Lana explained that the accumulation of magma energy within the mountain triggered a sudden thick ash plume, with the eruption process still ongoing as the disaster report was being prepared. The current activity level of Mount Marapi remains at Level II (Caution), accompanied by recommendations to restrict human activities in the hazardous area. Local residents, climbers, and tourists are strictly prohibited from entering or conducting activities within a three-kilometre radius of the eruption centre at Verbeek Crater to avoid threats from pyroclastic flows and hot materials. In addition to the no-go zone, the Geological Agency advised residents living near valleys, streams, and riverbanks fed by Mount Marapi to remain vigilant against secondary threats such as cold lava flows. To mitigate the impact of volcanic ashfall, the public is urged to wear face masks to prevent acute respiratory infections (ARI), and to secure clean water supplies from contamination by hazardous substances.