Seismic Activity at Mount Marapi Dominated by Gust Earthquakes and Non-Harmonic Tremors

Padang (ANTARA) - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reports that gust earthquakes and non-harmonic tremors continue to dominate the seismic activity at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra.

“Seismic data for Mount Marapi is dominated by gust earthquakes and non-harmonic tremors,” said Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Ministry of ESDM, Lana Saria, in a written statement received in Padang on Saturday.

This was conveyed by the Head of the Geological Agency regarding the evaluation of Mount Marapi for the period 16-31 March 2026. In the report, the relevant agency used two approaches: visual and instrumental observations.

During the evaluation period, the Geological Agency recorded five eruption earthquakes, 46 gust earthquakes, 19 harmonic tremors, 79 non-harmonic tremors, 10 low-frequency earthquakes, 14 shallow volcanic earthquakes, 31 deep volcanic earthquakes, 38 local tectonic earthquakes, and 43 distant tectonic earthquakes.

Based on the comprehensive analysis and evaluation up to 31 March 2026, the activity level of Mount Marapi remains at Level II (Alert), with several recommendations. First, prohibiting communities around Mount Marapi, hikers, visitors, or tourists from entering or conducting activities within a 3 km radius of the centre of activity (Verbeek Crater) of Marapi.

Second, communities residing in valleys, riverbanks, and streams originating from the volcano’s summit should remain vigilant against the potential hazards of lahars or lahar floods, particularly during the rainy season.

“If ashfall occurs, the public is urged to use masks to cover their nose and mouth to avoid respiratory tract disturbances,” she advised.