Mount Merapi's Eruption of Ash Begins to Rain on Agricultural Land in Tanah Datar

PADANG - Ash from the eruption of Mount Marapi started to "rain" and cover leaves in the area of agricultural land and plantations of residents in Nagari Padang Laweh, Sungai Tarab District, Tanah Datar District, West Sumatra.

Even though the volcanic ashes are starting to cover, the activities of the residents, who are mostly farming, still look normal and carry on with their activities as usual.

"If the residents' activities are not disturbed, they will continue to go to the fields or the fields. But of course, we will remain vigilant", said a farmer in Nagari Padang Laweh, Syafrial, when met at Padang Laweh reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 11.

He said that the ash from the eruption of Mount Marapi is good for plants because it can make plants fertile.

However, on the other hand, the ash from the eruption of Mount Marapi is not good for livestock, because the ash that sticks to the grass when eaten can make livestock cough and leak.

"The grass, if there are ashes, must be washed before it is given to the livestock, otherwise the livestock will get stomachaches or leaks", said Syafrial.

Meanwhile, another resident of Padang Laweh, Hendri Dunan, said that it is hoped that Mount Marapi will not emit hot clouds as has happened in other areas in Indonesia, such as Mount Semeru in East Java and Sinabung in North Sumatra.

Even though it is about 6 kilometers from the crater of Mount Marapi, he and the local community remain vigilant and follow the warnings of the Tanah Datar Regent.

"If eruptions like this are normal, it's even good for plants, they've had eruptions in the past", he said.

Previously, Tanah Datar Regent Eka Putra appealed to the public regarding preparedness for the eruption of Mount Marapi, which has experienced quite intense activity in the last three days.

The appeal issued by the Regent after surveying several points around the foot of Mount Marapi was also based on information from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) regarding the increasing eruption activity and the results of coordination with the Conservation of Natural Resources (KSDA) of West Sumatra.

"I appeal to climbers and our community, especially farmers, to stop activities within a radius of three kilometers from the top of the mountain and stay alert", said Eka Putra.