West Sumatra's Mount Marapi Erupts, Spews Ash 2km High

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted again on May 30 at 13:04 local time, ejecting a column of ash up to a height of 2,000 meters above the peak or about 4,891 meters above sea level. Thick gray ash could be seen leaning toward the northwest.

Teguh Purnomo, Head of the Marapi Volcano Monitoring Post (PGA), said this eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 30.4 millimeters for two minutes and two seconds. 

“The rumbling sound was heard as far as the Marapi PGA Post, indicating how powerful the eruption was,” he said.

At present, Teguh confirmed that the volcano's alert status is at Level III or Watch of the four-tier alert system. Residents and tourists are strongly recommended not to conduct any activities within 4.5 km of the eruption center or the Verbeek crater.

Residents living near the valley and riverbanks that originate from the summit of Mount Marapi are advised to be aware of the potential danger of lava, especially during the rainy season.

“In case of ash rain, people are advised to wear masks to avoid respiratory tract problems (ARI), as well as eye and skin protection. Clean water facilities must also be secured, and roofs of houses covered with thick volcanic ash must be cleaned to prevent them from collapsing,” said Teguh.

FACHRI HAMZAH

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