Mount Marapi Erupted 2 Times in a Day, Status Still Alert

PADANG - The Mount Fire Post (PGA) reported that Mount Marapi in Agam and Tanah Datar Regencies, West Sumatra, had two eruptions in close proximity, Thursday, March 26.

PGA officer Teguh Firmansyah said the first eruption occurred at 09.56 WIB.

"Mount Marapi erupted on Thursday at 09.56 WIB," he said, quoted by Antara.

The eruption was recorded on the seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 10 millimeters and a duration of 22 seconds. However, the height of the ash column could not be observed because it was covered by clouds.

Previously, an eruption also occurred at 08.28 WIB. Initially, the amplitude was recorded at 21.6 millimeters, then updated to 22 millimeters with a duration of 27 seconds. The height of the ash column in this eruption was also not monitored.

In the PGA report for the period 1-26 March 2026, the volcano, which is 2,891 meters above sea level, was recorded to have experienced nine eruptions.

Of these, only one eruption was observed with the height of the ash column, namely on March 9, 2026 with a height of 1,600 meters and a duration of 33 seconds. Other eruptions were not observed due to cloud cover.

Currently, the status of Mount Marapi is at Level II or Alert. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has issued a number of recommendations for the public.

PVMBG prohibits people from carrying out activities within a radius of three kilometers from the activity center or Verbeek Crater. In addition, residents are also asked to be aware of the potential for cold lava, especially along the river flow upstream from the mountain peak, especially when it rains.

The public is also urged to use masks if there is ash rain to avoid respiratory disorders, and not to spread unverified information so that the situation remains conducive.