Rain Often On Mount Marapi, PGA Asks Local Residents To Beware Of Cold Lava

Archives-One unit of vehicles was swept away by the cold lava flood on May 13, 2024 in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. (ANTARA/Muhammad Zulfikar)

The Mount Marapi Volcano Observation Post (PGA) reminds people who live around the riverbanks that originate directly from the mountains located in Agam and Tanah Datar to increase vigilance.

"It is currently raining around the slopes of Mount Marapi, please increase vigilance, especially residents who live near the riverbanks that originate directly from Mount Marapi," said PGA officer Gunung Marapi Teguh in Padang, Monday, March 3, as reported by Antara.

The appeal is to anticipate an increase in river water discharge from Mount Marapi which has the potential to be a threat of cold lava floods such as the May 11, 2024 incident.

On May 11, 2024, rivers that originate directly from Mount Marapi overflowed and hit residential areas in Agam Regency, Tanah Datar Regency to Padang Panjang City and caused 63 people to die.

Referring to the results of the evaluation of Mount Marapi for the period 16-28 February 2025, there were a number of recommendations issued by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) to the community regarding the volcanic activity which is currently Level II.

The recommendations include people, climbers, or visitors being asked not to enter or carry out activities within a three-kilometer radius of the eruption center (Kawah Verbeek) of Mount Marapi.

In addition, PVMBG also urges people living around valleys, rivers or banks whose water originates at the top of Mount Marapi, to always be aware of the potential threat of rain lava floods that can occur, especially during the rainy season.

Then, if there is ash rain, the public is advised to use a nose and mouth covering mask to avoid respiratory tract problems or ISPA.