Large eruption at Marapi volcano, Indonesia

A large eruption took place at Indonesia’s Marapi volcano at 06:04 UTC (13:04 LT) on May 30, 2024. The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange and Alert Level at III (Siaga).

Initial observations showed a thick gray volcanic ash column rising up to 4.9 km (16 000 feet) above sea level, the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).

According to Darwin VAAC, pilot reports received at 06:26 UTC showed the volcanic ash cloud was observed rising up to 6 km (20 000 feet) a.s.l. and moving NW.

PVMBG reported ongoing eruptive activity at Marapi from May 22 to May 28. During this period, white gas-and-steam plumes rose between 200 and 300 m (656 and 984 feet) above the summit, drifting southwest, south, and southeast on most days. However, no emissions were observed on May 22.

At 03:50 LT on May 26, a dense gray ash plume rose approximately 1 000 m (3 281 feet) above the summit, drifting south. A webcam image captured the incandescence at the crater, indicating active volcanic processes.

The Alert Level for Marapi remains at Level III (Siaga), on a scale where Level IV is the highest.

Authorities have warned the public to stay at least 4.5 km (2.8 miles) away from the active crater to ensure safety.

Marapi, also known as Gunung Marapi, is Sumatra’s most active volcano. This massive complex stratovolcano rises 2 km (6 500 feet) above the Bukittinggi Plain in the Padang Highlands.

The broad summit features multiple partially overlapping summit craters constructed within the small 1.4 km (0.9 miles)-wide Bancah caldera. These craters are aligned along an east-northeast to west-southwest line, with volcanic activity migrating westward over time.

Since the end of the 18^th century, more than 50 eruptions have been recorded, typically consisting of small-to-moderate explosive activity. Historical records indicate no lava flows outside the summit craters.

References:

¹ Marapi activity update – PVMBG – May 30, 2024

² Marapi – Geological summary – GVP

Featured image: Eruption at Marapi volcano, Indonesia on May 30, 2024. Credit: PVMBG