Mount Marapi West Sumatra Eruption Again
Mount Marapi, West Sumatra again experienced an eruption with eruptive smoke large enough to be clearly observed from several areas in Agam Regency.
"The eruption was clearly visible from the Puar River area. We heard the sound of an eruption that was not too big but the smoke rising high was clearly visible," said a resident, Ningsih (35) in Agam Regency, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, December 22.
According to him, the eruption of the mountain coincided with the Friday prayer call to prayer, it is not uncommon for Mount Marapi to always listen to it for a long time.
Meanwhile, another resident, Ismet (40) hopes that the volcanic eruption will not have a severe impact. "Hopefully everything goes back to normal," he said.
This eruption became the eruption of the 20th day after the eruption for the first time on Sunday (3/12) which resulted in 24 deaths from climbers who were trapped during the Marapi eruption.
Meanwhile, Marapi Volcano Monitoring Officer (PGA), Teguh, in his written statement revealed that he could not monitor the height of the ash column covered by clouds from the direction of Bukittinggi City.
"There has been an eruption of Mount Marapi, West Sumatra on December 22, 2023, at 12.19 WIB, but the height of the ash column was not observed. This eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 30 mm and a temporary duration of 1 minute 25 seconds," said PGA officer Teguh.
PGA emphasized that the eruption was still at Level II (Alert) status with the recommendations of the community around Mount Marapi and tourists or climbers not allowed to enter and carry out activities within a radius of 3 km from the activity center (Verbeek Luxury).
"People who live around the valleys of flows and the banks of rivers that head up at the top of Marapi to always be aware of the potential threat of lava that can occur, especially during the rainy season," he continued.
To avoid respiratory problems (ARI) and other health problems caused by volcanic ash, people around Marapi are asked to use mouth and nose protection masks and other equipment to protect the eyes and skin.
"In addition, if there is ash rain, it will secure clean water facilities and clean the roof of the house from thick volcanic ash so that it does not collapse," said Teguh
He appealed to the people around Marapi and all parties to keep the situation conducive in the community.
"It does not spread false narratives (hoaxes), and is not provoked by issues whose sources are not clear. People hope to always follow directions from the Regional Government," he said.