West Sumatra's Mount Marapi Erupted Monday Afternoon

PADANG - The Mount Marapi Volcano Post (PGA) reported that the mountain in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra (Sumbar), had an eruption of about 35 seconds.

"There was an eruption of Mount Marapi at 17.00 WIB which was recorded in the seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 24.3 millimeters and lasted about 35 seconds," said Mount Marapi PGA officer, Ahmad Rifandi, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, February 9.

In his report, Ahmad Rifandi said the height of the volcanic ash column due to the eruption of the volcano 2,891 meters above sea level (msl) was not observed because it was covered by clouds. Currently, Mount Marapi is at Level II or Alert.

He said the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) had issued a number of recommendations to the public to be followed. First, prohibit anyone from carrying out activities or activities within a radius of three kilometers from the center of volcanic activity (kawah verbeek).

Second, PVMBG also reminded of the potential threat of cold lava, especially for people who live along the river flow upstream from the volcano's peak. This condition can occur when it rains or during the rainy season.

"Please increase vigilance, especially for residents who live near the riverbanks that flow directly from Mount Marapi," he said.

Then, if there is ash rain, the public is advised to use nose and mouth covering masks to avoid respiratory tract disorders. Another recommendation is to ask all parties to maintain a conducive atmosphere, and not to spread false narratives.