Mount Marapi Erupts 2 Times A Day, Residents Are Asked To Be Alert To Cold Lava

ARSIP - Eruption of Mount Marapi (ANTARA)

The Gunung Marapi Volcano Post (PGA) reported that a volcano located in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra, experienced a second eruption today at around 16.36 WIB after previously erupted at 13.28 WIB.

"There was an eruption of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra at 16.36 WIB but the height of the ash column was not observed because it was covered by clouds," said PGA Gunung Marapi officer Teguh Purnomo in Padang, Antara, Sunday, September 21.

Referring to PGA data, the second eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 7.3 millimeters and a duration of about 53 seconds.

Currently, Mount Marapi is still on Alert status or Level II. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) issued a number of recommendations, including prohibiting people, tourists, or visitors from doing activities within a three-kilometer radius of the activity center (Verbeek Luxury).

PVMBG also warns of the threat of cold lava potential, especially for people who live along rivers that originate from the peak of the volcano, especially during the rain or rainy season.

In the event of ash rain, people are advised to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth to avoid respiratory tract problems (ARI).

PGA together with PVMBG continue to remind that the pile of materials caused by the volcanic eruption can trigger water flow and at any time have the potential to cause cold lava flooding.

This condition cannot be ignored because it is very vulnerable and dangerous, especially during high-intensity rain. The most likely thing is cold lava floods such as the May 11, 2024 incident which claimed dozens of lives.