PVMBG Says There Is Potential Danger Of Toxic Gas In Mount Marapi Crater

Illustration - Mount Marapi emits volcanic ash as seen from Banuhampu District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra. BETWEEN PHOTOs/Iggoy el Fitra/Koz/mes/am.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) stated that there is a potential danger of toxic volcanic gas in the crater area of Mount Marapi located in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra.

Head of PVMBG Hendra Gunawan said the toxic gases were carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide which were harmful to life when inhaled.

"Data from the Sentinel Satellite also shows that the emission rate of sulfur dioxide produced from the current activity of Mount Marapi is relatively high," said Hendra as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 9.

On January 9, 2024, at 18.00 WIB, PVMBG raised the status of Mount Marapi from the previous level II or Alert to level III or Alert.

The decision to raise the level of activity was taken because the volcano as high as 2,891 meters above sea level continued to experience eruptions.

PVMBG urges the public not to enter and not to carry out activities within a radius of 4.5 kilometers from the Verbeek Crater eruption center on Mount Marapi.

"The level of activity of Mount Marapi will be re-evaluated periodically or if there is a significant change in activity," concluded Hendra.