PVMBG Reminds Marapi Eruption Potential Despite Declining Status

The DOC/Eruption of Mount Marapi is located in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra. (ANTARA/Muhammad Zulfikar).

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reminded the public regarding the potential for the eruption of Mount Marapi, West Sumatra despite a decrease in status from level III (standby) to level II (alert).

"The potential for an eruption is still there, which is a release from the remaining energy to a balance condition," said Head of PVMBG, Hendra Gunawan, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, July 1.

This was conveyed by the Head of PVMBG following the decline in the status of the Mount Marapi level in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency from level III to level II as of July 1, 2024.

Hendra said that if there was no increase in magma's supply again, the eruption that could occur was estimated to be on a small scale with the potential hazard of the eruption material around the summit of Mount Marapi within a radius of three kilometers from the activity center (verbeek area).

The distribution of the ash from the eruption can occur according to the direction and speed of the wind. However, the eruption material that has fallen and has settled on the top and slopes of the mountain so far has the potential to pose a threat to lava when mixed with rainwater.

Therefore, he continued, the potential danger of flow, lava flooding in valleys or riverbanks that originate at the top of Mount Marapi must be watched out for by the public.

Not only that, in the same report, PVMBG also reminded the potential dangers of toxic volcanic gases such as CO2, CO, SO2, and H2S which remain in the crater area or the peak of Mount Marapi.

Regarding the decline in active volcanic status, PVMBG also conveyed a number of evaluation results, including the emission rate (flux) of the gas SO2 Gunung Marapi (from the Sentinel satellite) which could also indicate a supply of magma from depth in general showing a decline.

Gas emission rate graphs show relatively stable in low quantities below 300 tons/day since early May 2024. Then, the thiltmeter deformation plot (voluntary deformation measuring device) generally shows a decrease (deflation) indicating a tendency to soften on Marapi's body.