Indonesia’s Mount Marapi Erupts

Indonesia’s most active volcano, Mount Marapi, erupted on Monday, propelling dense gray ash up to 1.6 kilometers (almost a mile) above its summit, state media reported.

The early morning eruption in West Sumatra province was captured on a seismogram, showing a peak amplitude of 30 millimeters and lasting roughly 33 seconds, according to the Antara news agency, which cited the Mount Marapi Volcano Observation Post (PGA).

Bilal Allegra Munbaits, an officer at the Mount Marapi PGA, stated that the ash plume appeared gray, thick, and was drifting toward the east.

Mount Marapi is currently classified at Alert Level II. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation cautioned about the possibility of cold lava flows, particularly affecting communities residing along rivers originating from the volcano’s summit.

The threat increases during precipitation or the rainy season. Officials also recommended that residents use masks covering the nose and mouth if ash settles, in order to prevent respiratory issues.

Rising to 2,891 meters (nearly 9,500 feet), Marapi sits on Sumatra island. Authorities have long banned both residents and tourists from entering a 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) perimeter around the crater.

Indonesia is home to roughly 130 active volcanoes and lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity.