Volcanology Post reports Mount Marapi eruption on Tuesday night

The Volcanology Post (PGA) reported that Mount Marapi, located in the Agam and Tanah Datar Regencies of West Sumatra, erupted on Tuesday night at 19:56 WIB, although no ash column height was observed.

“An eruption of Mount Marapi occurred on Tuesday at 19:56 WIB, but the height of the ash column was not observed,” said PGA officer Ahmad Rifandi in Padang on Tuesday. He noted that the eruption of the volcano, which stands at 2,891 metres above sea level, was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 4.1 millimetres and a duration of two minutes and 40 seconds.

Mount Marapi currently remains at Level II (Alert). The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has issued several recommendations for the public to follow. First, all activities within a three-kilometre radius of the volcanic activity centre (Verbeek Crater) are prohibited. Second, the PVMBG warned of the potential threat of cold lava flows, particularly for communities living along riverbeds originating from the volcano’s peak, a condition that may occur during rainfall or the rainy season.

Furthermore, if ashfall occurs, the public is advised to wear masks to prevent respiratory issues. Other recommendations include asking all parties to maintain a conducive atmosphere and to refrain from spreading false narratives.