Indonesia's Mount Marapi erupts, spewing ash up to 1 mile

ISTANBUL

Indonesia's most active volcano, Mount Marapi, erupted Monday, sending thick gray ash 1.6 kilometers (nearly a mile) above its peak, state media reported.

The early morning eruption of Marapi, located in West Sumatra province, was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 30 millimeters and a duration of about 33 seconds, the Antara news agency reported, citing the Mount Marapi Volcano Observation Post (PGA).

Mount Marapi PGA officer Bilal Allegra Munbaits said the ash column was observed to be gray with thick intensity and drifting eastward.

Mount Marapi is currently at Alert Level II status. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation warned of a potential threat of cold lava flows, especially for communities living along rivers originating from the volcano’s peak.

The risk is higher during rainfall or the rainy season. Authorities also advised residents to wear masks covering the nose and mouth if ash falls to prevent respiratory problems.

Marapi, which rises 2,891 meters (nearly 9,500 feet), is located on Sumatra island. Authorities have long prohibited residents and tourists from entering within a 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) radius of the crater.

Indonesia has about 130 active volcanoes and lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for intense seismic and volcanic activity.