Residents Are Urged To Stay Away From The Flow Of The Berhulu River To Mount Marapi

Mount marapi cold lava (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) appealed to residents to stay away from locations located around the river streams that originate in Gunung Marapi, Agapi Regency, Agam Regency, West Sumatra. "The public's appeal is to stay away from the streams or banks of rivers that originate at the peak of Mount Marapi, which administratively resides in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra," said Head of the Geological Agency Muhammad Wafid quoting Antara. The official information of the Geological Agency with number 09.KM.05/BGL/2024 reveals a series of eruptions of Mount Marapi (2,891) mdpl that have occurred many times since December 3, 2023 until now has produced deposits of eruptive material measuring ash, lapili, to stones or volcanic bombs in peaked areas and slopes. "When it rains, water fills the river flow and mixes with deposits. Such volcanic material produces lava that will flow into areas with lower elevations, especially following rivers that originate directly at the top of the mountain," said Wafid. Based on the recording of the seismograph at the Mount Fire Observation Post (PGA) Marapi, Bukittinggi, at a time before the occurrence of cold lava floods was recorded by vibrations or tremors originating from heavy rains that fell around the peak. "This then resulted in lava flooding among them at the location of the Batabubunbukit and the Pua River, Agam Regency as well as several rivers in the Batipuah District, Tanah Datar," he said. The main impact of the lava flood made the breakdown of the connecting roads of the two main cities in West Sumbar, Padang City and Bukitting City with several areas they went through.

"Since around 18.30 WIB Friday until the press release was compiled, seismograph recordings still indicate rain falling in the Mount Marapi area," said Wafid. The community that lives around the valley and river flows that originate at the peak should always be aware of the potential and threat of lava that can occur especially during the rainy season," he said. He also asked the City Government of Bukittinggi, Padang Panjang City, Tanah Datar Regency, and Agam Regency to continue to coordinate with the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation.