PVMBG Warns Of Sudden Gas Threats From Mount Tandikat Crater In West Sumatra

Archives. Portrait of Mount Marapi in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra. (ANTARA-Muhammad Zulfikar).

JAKARTA - The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reminded all parties of the potential threat of high concentration gas that can suddenly increase from the crater of Mount Tandikat in West Sumatra (West Sumatra)

"The potential danger of the activity of Mount Tandikat is currently high concentration gas around the crater," said PVMBG Head Hendra Gunawan in a written statement, Wednesday, April 3, which was confiscated by Antara.

Based on the results of the PVMBG evaluation for the period 1 to 31 March 2024, visually observations of the crater were not observed any volcanic activity from the main crater either in the form of gas gusts or other symptoms.

PVMBG also noted that seismic activity was dominated by tectonic earthquakes (local tectonics and distant tectonics). For deep volcanic earthquakes, they still occur but with negligible amounts. This indicates a mechanism for rock cracks but not accompanied by fluid movement (rock, gas, liquid) to shallower surfaces.

"The types and numbers of earthquakes recorded during March 1 to 31, 2024, were three deep volcanic earthquakes, 24 local tectonic earthquakes, and 69 distant tectonic earthquakes," said Gunawan.

Based on the results of these observations and evaluations, PVMBG issued a number of recommendations, namely the activity of Mount Tandikat in Padang Pariaman and Agam Regencies, which are still at level I (normal).

People around Mount Tandikat, visitors/tourists should limit their activities (not linger) and not spend the night in active crater areas, and do not approach gas seepage holes around the crater to avoid potential toxic gas hazards.

Furthermore, the people around Mount Tandikat and all parties should maintain conducive conditions, not spread false narratives and not be provoked by issues whose sources are unclear. The public is also advised to always follow directions from local governments.

For the Padang Pariaman Regency Government and Agam Regency, PVMBG encourages to always coordinate, including the Mount Tandikat Observation Post located in Jorong (dusun) Sikadundung, Nagari (village) Singgalang, X Koto District, Tanah Datar Regency to obtain information about the volcanic activity.

Terakhir, PVMBG juga mengimbau masyarakat maupun pemerintah daerah tetap memantau perkembangan aktivitas maupun rekomendasi yang dikeluarkan melalui aplikasi/website Magma Indonesia (www.vsi.esdm.go.id, atau https://magma.esdm.go.id) dan media sosial PVMBG (Facebook, Twitter, dan Instagram).