REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PADANG -- The Volcanology and Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reported that Mount Marapi, located in West Sumatra province, rose to level III or alert. The determination takes place after a thorough analysis and evaluation.

“Based on the results of the analysis and thorough evaluation, the activity level of Mount Marapi was raised from level II (alert) to level III (alert) on January 9, 2024 at 18:00pm with recommendations adjusted potential/threat of current hazards,” said Head of PVMBG of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of ESDM Hendra Gunawan through a written statement received in Padang on Tuesday (9/1/2024).

In the presence of such an increase in status the PVMBG issued a number of recommendations. First, people residing around Mount Marapi, hikers, visitors or tourists should not enter or engage in activities within a radius of 4.5 kilometers from the eruption center (verbeek crater).

Secondly, people living around the valleys, streams and banks of rivers upstream at the top of Mount Marapi should always be aware of the potential or threat of lava hazards that can occur especially during the rainy season.

In the event of ash rain, people are urged to use nose and mouth masks to avoid respiratory distress and other equipment to protect eyes and skin. In addition, residents are urged to secure clean water and clean the roofs of houses from thick volcanic ash so as not to collapse.

All parties are urged to maintain a conducive atmosphere in the community, not to spread false narratives (hoaxes), and not to be distracted by issues whose source is unclear. Further recommendations, namely the Bukittinggi City Government, Padang Panjang City, Tanah Datar Regency, and Agam Regency to always coordinate with PVMBG in Bandung, or Mount Marapi Observation Post in Bukittinggi City.

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