The Eruption Of Mount Marapi This Morning Accompanied By Volcanic Ash Rain, Volunteers And Alert Teams

The eruption of Mount Marapi threw red incandescent material which was taken from Nagari Bukik Batabuah, Canduang District, Agam Regency, Sunday (14/1/2024). (ANTARA/Muhammad Zulfikar)

The eruption of Mount Marapi in Tanah Datar and Agam Regencies, West Sumatra Province (West Sumatra), Sunday, January 14 morning at around 06.21 WIB accompanied by rain of volcanic ash that occurred around the slopes of the mountain, one of which was in Nagari (village) Bugik Batabuah. "Yes, the dentum (Marapi eruption) was quite hard, and after that there was volcanic ash rain", said a volunteer from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Agam Tayap Regency at the eruption field post of Mount Marapi Nagari Bugkik Batabuah, Canduang District, Agam Regency, Antara, Sunday, January 14. Based on the report of the Mount Marapi Observation Post, the height of the ash column was observed to be about 1,300 meters above the peak or approximately 4,191 meters above sea level. The volcanic eruption was also accompanied by the ejection of a reddish incandescent material that burst around the peak of Mount Marapi. Shortly after the eruption occurred, volunteers and a joint team from various agencies appeared to be on standby to anticipate the worst. Still in the report of the Mount Marapi Observation Post, the column of ash was observed to be gray with thick intensity leaning towards the northwest. This eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 29 millimeters and a temporary duration of about 45 seconds. The Center for Volcanology and Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) has issued recommendations regarding the increase in the status of Mount Marapi from level two to level three. The recommendations are people who live around Mount Marapi, climbers, visitors or tourists so as not to enter or carry out activities in a radius of 4.5 kilometers from the eruption center (Verbeek Luxury). Second, people living around the valley, rivers and banks that head up at the top of Mount Marapi to always be aware of the potential or threat of lava that can occur, especially during the rainy season. In the event of ash rain, the public is advised to use a mask covering the nose and mouth to avoid respiratory tract problems, as well as other equipment to protect the eyes and skin. In addition, residents are advised to secure clean water facilities and clean the roofs of houses from thick volcanic ash so that they do not collapse. All parties are advised to maintain a conducive atmosphere in the community, not spread false narratives (hoaxes), and not be provoked by issues whose sources are unclear.

The next recommendations are the Bukittinggi City Government, Padang Panjang City, Tanah Datar Regency, and Agam Regency to always coordinate with PVMBG in Bandung, or the Mount Marapi Observation Post in Bukittinggi City.