Mount Marapi Returns To 'Give Up,' Residents Asked To Be Alert To Lahar And ISPA

PADANG - Mount Marapi, which is located on the border of Agam and Tanah Datar Regencies, West Sumatra, has erupted again, Wednesday, July 16. The volcanic ash column was observed to soar up to 1,200 meters above the peak.

"There has been an eruption of Mount Marapi at 10.42 WIB with a column height of ash being observed about 1,200 meters above the peak," said Marapi Volcano Post (PGA) officer Teguh Purnomo in Padang, Antara, Monday, July 16.

The ash column is observed to be gray with thick intensity and leads northeast. This eruption activity was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 30.5 millimeters and lasted for 47 seconds.

"The eruption is still ongoing when this report is made," said Teguh.

Mount Marapi is currently at Alert or Level II status. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) appealed to the public not to carry out activities within a three-kilometer radius of the main crater, Verbeek Crater.

PVMBG also warns of the potential threat of cold lava, especially for residents who live along rivers that originate from the top of the mountain, especially during the rainy season.

In addition, the public is advised to use a mask covering the nose and mouth in the event of ash rain, in order to avoid respiratory problems such as ISPA.