TEMPO.CO, Padang - The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, recorded heightened activity in Mount Marapi with three eruptions happening at 08.38, 10.04 and 10.16 local time. "However, its intensity was reduced since yesterday," said Warseno, an officer at PVMBG Mount Marapi monitoring post yesterday.
The 2,891 meter high volcano had erupted last Wednesday at 04.15 p.m. local time and caused shower of volcanic ash over the three sub-districts of Tanah Datar Regency, Batipuh, South Batipuah and Pariangan.
PVMBG yesterday also recorded five intermittent tremors with amplitude below 10 millimeters. The number decreased from the data on the previous day, which was 30 millimeters. Moreover, the Mount Marapi monitoring post recorded a shallow volcanic quake, a blast and a tectonic quake.
However, Warseno admitted that he could not monitor visually because the mountain peak was covered by haze caused by fires in Riau. Thus, the direction and height of eruption, as well as speed and direction of the wind are still unknown.
ANDRI EL FARUQI