Mount Marapi in West Sumatra Erupts Again on 1 October 2026

Bukittinggi (ANTARA) - Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted again on 1 October 2026, at 10:00 WIB, with eruptive activity recorded on seismographs, although no ash column was visually observed.

“Seismic records show eruptive activity, but the condition of the summit, which is covered by clouds, means the development of the eruption column cannot yet be seen through direct observation,” said Ahmad Rifandi, an officer at the Marapi Volcano Observation Post (PGA), in Bukittinggi on Thursday.

He stated that the distribution of volcanic ash was observed moving towards the southern part of Mount Marapi, specifically the areas of Padang Panjang City and Tanah Datar Regency.

The Marapi Observation Post noted that this eruption is the 63rd eruptive event throughout 2026.

He stated that Mount Marapi currently remains at Level II (Alert) status. The public, hikers, visitors, and tourists are prohibited from entering or conducting activities within a three-kilometre radius of the Verbeek Crater, which is the centre of the eruption.

“The public and tourists are requested to continue observing the applicable safety regulations in the Mount Marapi area and to avoid the area around the centre of volcanic activity,” he said.

He requested that residents living near valleys, flow paths, and riverbanks originating from the summit of Mount Marapi increase their vigilance against the potential for lahars, especially during rainfall in the summit area.

He urged the public to use masks to protect the nose and mouth from exposure to volcanic ash, which can trigger respiratory issues, and to use eye and skin protection in the event of ashfall.

Additionally, he requested that the public secure clean water supplies and clean accumulated volcanic ash from rooftops to reduce the risk of structural damage.

He emphasised that the public should not spread unverified information and should follow official information and directives from the local government.