Strong eruption at Marapi volcano, Indonesia

A strong eruption started at Marapi volcano, Sumatra, Indonesia at 05:19 UTC (12:19 local time) on December 22, 2023.

The eruption produced a volcanic ash column that reached at least 4.8 km (16 000 feet) above sea level, drifting south.

People, including tourists and climbers, are strictly prohibited from entering or conducting any activities within a 3 km (1.8 miles) radius of the activity center, namely the Verbeek Crater of Mount Marapi.

Residents living near valleys, streams, or riverbanks that originate from the peak of the volcano are advised to remain vigilant to the potential threats of lava flows, particularly during the rainy season when such events are more likely to occur.

AVISO 🌋
Nueva erupción del Monte #Marapi en la provincia de #Sumatra Occidental, #Indonesia 🇮🇩
Hoy diciembre 22 sobre las 12:30 hrs locales lanzó un nuevo pulso eruptivo el volcán Marapi
Vía @angkot_padank pic.twitter.com/910AHMj6Ce

— Geól. Sergio Almazán (@chematierra) December 22, 2023

In response to the health hazards posed by volcanic ash, individuals in the vicinity of Mount Marapi are urged to wear masks to cover their mouth and nose and use protective gear for their eyes and skin. These precautions are vital to prevent respiratory issues and other health problems. Locals are urged to safeguard clean water facilities from ash contamination and regularly clear roofs of volcanic ash accumulation to prevent structural damage.

The community is also encouraged to foster a peaceful and informed environment by refraining from spreading false information or hoaxes and not succumbing to unverified information.

Instead, the public should heed the guidance and directives of the Regional Government and stay updated with the latest safety instructions.

The measures have been issued in the wake of a major eruption at Marapi volcano on December 3, 2023. The eruption, which occurred unexpectedly at 08:00 UTC, resulted in a tragic death toll of 23 individuals, with many more affected by the subsequent pyroclastic flows and ash fall. The volcanic activity sent ash as high as 15 km (50 000 feet) into the air and produced a significant pyroclastic flow that extended 3 km (1.8 miles) from the northern slope of the volcano.

References:

¹ Gunung Api Marapi – Dibuat oleh, Indra Saputra, A.Md – December 22, 2023

² Death toll rises to 23 after sudden eruption at Marapi volcano, Indonesia – The Watchers – December 5, 2023

Featured image credit: angkot_padank