Indonesia’s Mount Marapi Erupts, Sending Ash Column 1,600 Meters Into the Air

Indonesia’s most active volcano erupted early Wednesday morning, sending a column of volcanic ash up to 1,600 meters above its peak, according to officials at the Mount Marapi Volcano Post (PGA). The eruption occurred at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra province and was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 28.6 millimeters and a duration of about 31 seconds, state-run Antara News reported, citing PGA officer Ahmad Rifandi in Padang. Rifandi noted that the eruption was still ongoing at the time of reporting.

Despite the intensity of the eruption, authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to infrastructure. Mount Marapi remains on Alert Level II, with strict restrictions in place prohibiting residents, tourists, and visitors from conducting any activities within a three-kilometer radius of the volcano’s center of activity. Officials also warned of the potential danger of cold lava flows, particularly for communities living along rivers that originate from the mountain’s peak.

Rising 2,891 meters above sea level, Mount Marapi is located on the island of Sumatra and is one of around 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia. The country sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for high seismic and volcanic activity, where eruptions and earthquakes are frequent due to tectonic plate movements.