Mount Marapi Erupts, Potential Rain Lava Flood Lurks

Illustration of mountain eruptions (ANTARA)

PADANG - Mount Marapi, located in Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra Province, erupted again on Thursday, March 20, at 02.29 WIB, with volcanic ash reaching a height of 1,000 meters.

"Mount Marapi erupted at 02.29 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) with the height of the ash column observed at around 1,000 meters above the peak," said Mount Marapi Volcano Post officer, Teguh, quoted by ANTARA.

Based on the Mount Marapi PGA report, the ash column was gray with thick intensity leaning towards the south. The eruption was recorded on a seismogram with maximum amplitude and a duration of around 54 seconds.

Currently, Mount Marapi's volcanic activity is at level II (alert) status. Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (PVMBG) issued a number of recommendations, including that the public, climbers, and visitors not enter or carry out activities within a radius of 3 kilometers from the eruption center in the Verbeek Crater.

In addition, PVMBG appealed to people living around valleys or riverbanks that originate at the peak of Mount Marapi to be aware of the potential for rain lava floods, especially during the rainy season.

If ash rain occurs, people are advised to wear masks to protect the respiratory tract from the risk of acute respiratory infections (ARI).

PVMBG also reminded all parties to maintain a conducive atmosphere by not spreading incorrect information and not being provoked by issues with unclear sources.