Mount Marapi eruption generates thick ash column drifting northeast, West Sumatra, Indonesia

The Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) reported that the eruption produced a white to gray ash column of thick intensity, drifting toward the northeast.

The event lasted approximately 34 seconds as recorded by seismic instruments at the Marapi Volcano Observation Post. At the time of the report, the eruption was still ongoing.

Earlier the same morning, at 07:10 LT, PVMBG recorded another eruption event on seismic instruments. This earlier event produced no visible ash column but was detected as volcanic tremor.

Mount Marapi remains at Alert Level II (Waspada), in effect since December 3, 2023. Authorities continue to enforce a 3 km (1.9 miles) exclusion zone around the active Verbeek Crater. The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange.

PVMBG has advised residents, climbers, and visitors to stay out of the restricted area due to the potential for further explosive activity. The agency also warned of possible cold lava flows (lahar dingin) during heavy rainfall and recommended the use of masks to reduce respiratory risk in the event of ashfall.

Authorities are urging the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and follow only official instructions from local authorities.

The governments of Bukittinggi, Padangpanjang, Tanahdatar, and Agam have been instructed to maintain coordination with PVMBG in Bandung and with the Marapi Volcano Observation Post in Bukittinggi to ensure accurate and timely information is available.

This latest activity follows a sequence of eruptions in recent months. On July 16, Marapi produced an ash plume approximately 1 200 m (3 937 feet) above the summit, drifting northeast.

On July 18, an ash plume about 1 000 m (3 281 feet) high was observed. Between late June and early July, white plumes were frequently observed rising 100–200 m (328–656 feet) above the crater.

Mount Marapi is one of the most active volcanoes on Sumatra, exhibiting near-continuous low-level activity through 2025.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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