Mount Marapi Erupts Again, Now the Sky is Covered with Volcanic Ash

Kapanlagi.com - Mount Marapi, one of the famous volcanoes in Indonesia, is currently attracting attention with a significant increase in its volcanic activity since early January 2025. Recently, this volcano has emitted volcanic ash up to 1 kilometer high, with a maximum amplitude reaching 30.3 mm.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has announced that the status of Mount Marapi has been raised from Level II (Alert) to Level III (Caution). This decision was made based on the increasing intensity of eruptions and the greater potential danger around the crater.

Recently, the eruption of Mount Marapi occurred again on Wednesday, January 22 at 19:29 WIB accompanied by volcanic ash rain," said the Observation Post Officer of Mount Marapi, Teguh (22/1), quoting ANTARA.

From there, PVMBG continues to warn about secondary dangers such as volcanic ash rain and the potential for lahars that may occur during the rainy season.

1. Chronology of the Latest Eruption of Mount Marapi, Wednesday (22/1)

Since early January 2025, Mount Marapi has begun to stir with increasing activity, peaking on January 4 at 09:43 WIB when the first major eruption occurred, ejecting an ash column 1 kilometer high that soared into the sky with thick intensity, directed to the north and northeast.

Seismograms recorded intense vibrations with a maximum amplitude of 30.3 mm for 1 minute and 40 seconds. Shortly after that, on January 20, loud booming sounds shook the surrounding area, signaling the next eruption. On January 21, despite the fog covering the area, Marapi once again spewed volcanic ash.

The peak of activity occurred on Wednesday, January 22, when the eruption column rose up to 2,891 meters above sea level, with a maximum amplitude reaching 30.7 mm for 30 seconds, indicating that Mount Marapi still holds tremendous energy within its depths.

2. There Has Been an Increase in Status This January

On January 9, 2025, at 18:00 WIB, PVMBG officially announced the increase of Mount Marapi's status from Level II (Alert) to Level III (Standby) due to a significant surge in volcanic activity.

Recent observations indicate that the intensity and frequency of eruptions are increasing, with gray crater smoke rising up to 700 meters above the mountain peak.

Moreover, unpredictable weather, such as heavy rain and strong winds, adds to the risk of secondary hazards such as cold lava and ash rain.

In this situation, the public is urged to stay away from areas within a 4.5-kilometer radius of the Verbeek Crater for safety, to avoid potential threats from volcanic material ejections and toxic gases that could endanger lives.

3. Impact of the Eruption on Surrounding Communities

The eruption of Mount Marapi has created ash rain that has affected the surrounding areas, covering rooftops, agricultural land, and even clean water sources, disrupting the daily routines of residents who are forced to cope with these impacts.

The threat of cold lava is also a major concern, especially during the rainy season, with PVMBG reminding residents in the valleys and riverbanks that originate from the mountain to remain vigilant against the possibility of lahar floods that could carry volcanic material into settlements.

The community is also advised to wear masks and eye protection during ash rain to protect their health from respiratory and eye irritation caused by exposure to volcanic dust.

"Visually, the activity of Mount Marapi remains fluctuating," said the Head of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Muhammad Wafid, on Tuesday (7/1) ago.

4. The Public is Urged to Avoid Dangerous Areas

In facing the threats that may arise from the activity of Mount Marapi, PVMBG has issued a series of important recommendations for the community. Residents are reminded to comply with the prohibitions on entering designated dangerous zones, as well as to routinely clean their roofs from volcanic ash to prevent collapse due to material accumulation.

In addition, the use of masks, eye protection, and closed clothing is highly recommended as a precaution against health impacts from ash exposure. Local governments and related parties are also urged to ensure the availability of clean water for affected communities.

Cooperation among agencies is key to maintaining calm in the community, while official information from PVMBG or the government should be used as a reference, with the hope that the public will not spread unverified news.

5. History of Mount Marapi Eruptions: Active Eruptions Since 1830

Mount Marapi, the most active volcano in Sumatra, holds a dramatic and terrifying story of eruptions in its history. One of the most horrifying moments occurred on September 8, 1830, when its massive eruption launched a black ash cloud 1,500 meters high, accompanied by booming sounds that shook the earth.

No less terrifying, the eruption on April 30, 1979, claimed 60 lives and destroyed five villages with rain of stones and mud. Its activity did not stop there; between late 2011 and early 2014, Marapi stirred again, spewing ash hundreds of kilometers into the air.

The peak of all this occurred on December 3, 2023, when a devastating eruption claimed the lives of 24 climbers and lifted ash up to 3,000 meters into the sky.

With a volcanic activity pattern that tends to repeat, especially during the rainy season or extreme weather, it is important for the community to remain vigilant and prepared for the potential disasters that lurk.

6. What causes the eruption of Mount Marapi?

7. What should be done during a volcanic ash rain?

8. How often does Mount Marapi erupt?

9. What is the safe radius from Mount Marapi?

10. What is the impact of the eruption of Mount Marapi on the community?

(kpl/rmt)