Observation Post Estimates 1 Million Cubic Meters Of Volcanic Material Piles Upstream Of Mount Marapi

Residents are preparing to perform Eid prayers with the background of the eruption of Mount Marapi on April 10, 2024 in Agam Regency. (ANTARA-M Zulfikar)

JAKARTA - Mount Marapi Volcano Observation Post (PGA) estimates that currently there are still around 500 thousand to one million cubic meters of volcanic material piling up in the upstream part of the volcano.

"Based on the modeling, it is predicted that around 500 thousand to one million cubic meters of volcanic material will accumulate in the upstream part of Mount Marapi," said Gunung Marapi Post Officer Ahmad Rifandi when contacted in Padang, Tuesday.

This was conveyed by Ahmad Rifandi regarding the decline in the status of Mount Marapi from Level III (Alert) to Level II (Alert) as of July 1, 2024 at 15.00 WIB.

Given the large volume of volcanic material piles, PGA Gunung Marapi appealed and reminded the public to continue to comply with all recommendations issued by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG).

One of the most important recommendations is for people living around the valley, banks, rivers that originate at the top of Mount Marapi to remain aware of the potential and threat of lava hazards or lava floods that can occur, especially during the rainy season.

In addition to the pile of volcanic material around the volcano, PGA Gunung Marapi also reported that there were still toxic volcanic gases such as CO2, CO, SO2, and H2S in the crater area or the peak of Mount Marapi.

However, he continued, the toxic gas is still around the peak area or volcanic crater as high as 2,891 meters above sea level (MDPL).

"Until now (the toxic gas) is still piling up at the top of the mountain and has not been monitored to the bottom," he emphasized.

Separately, the Global Atmospheric Monitoring Station or GAW Bukit Kototabang, Agam Regency reported that the toxic gas content of the eruption of Mount Marapi is still below the safe threshold.

"Indeed, there are indications of an increase in SO2 during the first eruption on December 3, 2023, but the status is still below the threshold," said Head of GAW Bukit Kototabang Station, Sugeng Nugroho.