Mount Marapi's Volcanic Material Poses Danger to Local Residents: Military Chief
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23 January 2024 21:37 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Padang, West Sumatra - Commander of the 032 Military Resort Command, Brigadier General Rayen Obersyl, reported that around 500,000 cubic meters of volcanic material surrounding Mount Marapi's peak pose a potential danger to local residents.
The information was based on mapping by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG).
"Information from PVMBG says there are around 500,000 cubic meters of volcanic material piles," he stated in Padang, West Sumatra, on Tuesday.
If a lava flood were to occur, then the volcanic material could endanger the lives of members of the community, especially those residing around rivers from Mount Marapi, he pointed out.
According to Obersyl, the volcanic material could reach an area of up to seven kilometers. If the material is around one million cubic meters, then it can reach 10 kilometers.
"This condition is very dangerous. There are many residents who live near the rivers," Obersyl cautioned.
Hence, he urged the local government to immediately anticipate the potential threat of lava floods that could occur at any time.
"For technical prevention we must immediately map out an evacuation plan," he stated.
Obersyl said that he discussed with West Sumatra Governor, Mahyeldi, on the possibility of conducting a regional spatial planning (RTRW) study, especially in areas affected by the eruption of Mount Marapi.
"From the discussion, Governor Mahyeldi has ordered the heads of relevant agencies to follow up on an in-depth study regarding the RTRW," Obersyl remarked.
Earlier, the PVMBG had also cautioned of the potential danger of toxic volcanic gases at the Mount Marapi crater located in the districts of Agam and Tanah Datar in West Sumatra.
The poisonous gases are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide, which are dangerous when inhaled by humans.
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