“The second eruption was recorded, but the ash column was not visible due to cloud cover,” PGA official Teguh Purnomo said in Padang.
Seismic instruments measured the second eruption with a maximum amplitude of 7.3 millimeters and a duration of 53 seconds.
Marapi remains at Alert Level II (Waspada), the second-lowest on Indonesia’s four-tier scale.
The Geological Agency’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) continues to prohibit activity within a three-kilometer radius of the active Verbeek Crater.
PVMBG warned of potential cold lahars—volcanic mudflows—especially during heavy rain, which threaten communities along rivers originating from the volcano.
Residents are advised to wear masks during ashfall to prevent respiratory issues. “Weather conditions should be closely monitored. Heavy rain can trigger sudden lahar flows,” the agency said.
Authorities also highlighted the danger of accumulated volcanic debris from recent eruptions, which may rapidly mobilize during storms. The May 11, 2024, disaster was cited as a reminder, when cold lahars killed dozens in the area.
The first eruption’s ash plume drifted southwest toward Padang Panjang. PGA reported a gray, dense ash column and seismic activity with a 30.4-millimeter amplitude lasting 38 seconds.
PGA is awaiting further assessment from the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre and ASHTAM to determine ash dispersion levels.
A local resident in Agam, Noviardi, said he was startled by a loud explosion during the first eruption, which was clearly heard in Baso Subdistrict.
Monitoring continues as emergency protocols remain active. Residents are urged to heed official advisories, avoid riverbanks near the volcano, and remain prepared for further activity.
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Translator: M.Zulfikar, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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