PVMBG Reminds Residents Of The Threat Of Mount Marapi Eruption

The head of the Emergency Response Team for the Eruption of Mount Marapi from PVMBG Kristianto when interviewed in Padang, Thursday, (11/1/2024). BETWEEN/Muhammad Zulfikar.

The Center for Volcanology for Disaster and Geological Mitigation (PVMBG) again reminded the public, especially those who settled within a radius of 4.5 kilometers from the verbeek crater regarding the potential threat of the eruption of Mount Marapi.

"The potential that is still to be watched out for is the ejection of incandescent material, volcanic ash and cold lava," said Head of the Mount Marapi Eruption Emergency Response Team from PVMBG Kristianto in Padang as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, January 11.

Especially for volcanic ash, said Kristianto, the distribution depends on the direction of the wind. Then for cold lava, this must be a concern for people living around the river that originates from Mount Marapi.

The potential for cold lava must be watched out for considering the high intensity of rainfall over the last few days.

Based on PVMBG records, the intensity of volcanic ash gusts that are visually and in seismicity is still happening today. This includes volcanic earthquake activity that is still recorded.

"This means that the supply of magma is still recorded quite significantly," he explained.

Since Mount Marapi erupted on Sunday (3/12/2023) PVMBG recorded one incandescent lava burst. However, it could have been more but not observed because it was covered in clouds.

Separately, West Sumatra University Epidemiologist Defriman Djafri said the potential for toxic gas emerging from the eruption of Mount Marapi could cause or trigger toxicity in the human body.

"We need to be aware because there is a potential for toxic gas that can cause toxicity," said Defriman.

Toxicity is the ability of a substance or material that results in discomfort, pain and even death in humans and animals.

In order to prevent exposure to toxic gas, Defriman advised people around Mount Marapi to always use medical masks or masks that have double filters.

"It should also be noted that not all masks can protect themselves from toxic gas compounds," he said.