1Berita English – The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has reported that the status of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra has been raised to level III or alert.

“Based on a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of Mount Marapi’s overall activity, the level is elevated from level II (caution) to level III (alert) effective from January 9, 2024, at 18:00 WIB, with adjusted recommendations based on the latest potential/threat assessments,” said Head of PVMBG at the Geological Agency of the Ministry of ESDM, Hendra Gunawan, in a statement on Tuesday (9/1).

He mentioned that based on visual observations from January 1 to 8, 2024, Mount Marapi was clearly visible until covered by mist. The main crater’s smoke was observed to be white to gray with medium to thick intensity, reaching a height of about 150-700 meters above the summit.

An eruption was observed with a column height of 700 meters above the summit, and the eruption column appeared gray. The weather was clear to rainy, with weak winds blowing towards the north, northeast, south, and southwest. The air temperature ranged from 19 to 27.5 degrees Celsius.

With the increase in status, PVMBG issued several recommendations.

Firstly, residents living around Mount Marapi, hikers, visitors, or tourists are advised not to enter or engage in activities within a 4.5-kilometer radius from the eruption center (Verbeek crater).

Secondly, residents living around valleys, rivers, and riverbanks originating from Mount Marapi are urged to always be vigilant to the potential or threat of lahars, especially during the rainy season.

In the event of ashfall, residents are advised to use nose and mouth masks to avoid respiratory problems and other protective gear for the eyes and skin. Additionally, residents are encouraged to secure clean water sources and clean their roofs from thick volcanic ash to prevent collapse.

All parties are urged to maintain a conducive atmosphere within the community, avoid spreading false narratives (hoaxes), and not be provoked by unclear sources of information.

Furthermore, the recommendation includes the local governments of Bukittinggi City, Padang Panjang City, Tanah Datar Regency, and Agam Regency to coordinate with PVMBG in Bandung or the Mount Marapi Observation Post in Bukittinggi.