14-1-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesia’s geological agency reported a renewed eruption of the Marapi volcano in West Sumatra province on Sunday, just six weeks after a fatal eruption. The agency disclosed that ash plumes rose approximately 1,300 metres (4,300 feet) from the volcano’s summit during the recent activity.
The volcano erupted at least twice by 0337 GMT on Sunday, prompting the agency to issue a stern advisory urging the evacuation of individuals within a 4.5 km (2.8 miles) radius from the eruption’s epicentre. Authorities also warned of the potential for lava flows in nearby rivers and valleys.
“In case there’s a rain of ash, we urge residents to also use masks in order to prevent respiratory illness,” stated the geological agency.
This recent eruption follows a tragic incident in December when Marapi, one of Sumatra’s most active volcanoes, unleashed a series of eruptions that claimed the lives of more than 20 people. During that event, the volcano expelled grey clouds of ash reaching heights of up to 3 km (2 miles).
Indonesia, situated within the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” experiences heightened seismic activity due to its location atop multiple tectonic plates. The volcanic ash resulting from Sunday’s eruption was evident in the coverage of nearby houses, vehicles, and evacuation tents, as seen in footage from Reuters.
Concerns over respiratory health have led authorities to advise residents to use masks as a precautionary measure against potential ash exposure. Several residents sought medical attention for respiratory checkups, and authorities distributed masks to mitigate the impact of volcanic ash on public health.
