Indonesia’s Marapi volcano, situated in the West Sumatra province, unleashed a powerful eruption on Sunday, propelling volcanic ash to an astounding height of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), as reported by the country’s disaster management agency, BNPB.
The eruption, which occurred at 2:54 p.m. local time (0754 GMT), disseminated volcanic ash at high intensity, blanketing nearby districts. Images released by BNPB depict streets and vehicles submerged in ash, illustrating the scale of the natural disaster.
In response to the eruption, authorities have imposed a ban on all activities within a 3-kilometer radius of the crater and raised the alert level for Marapi Mountain to the second-highest. Residents and visitors are urged to adhere to safety measures, with the distribution of masks and advisories encouraging people to remain indoors.
Ade Setiawan, an official at BPBD’s local disaster management unit, emphasized the importance of precautionary measures to minimize health risks for the affected population.
Indonesia, located in the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” boasts a staggering 127 active volcanoes, making it prone to seismic activity. The recent eruption of Mount Marapi serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural phenomena, prompting authorities to remain vigilant in monitoring and responding to such events.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of this eruption, efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities remain a top priority for disaster management agencies.