VOLCANO Marapi still shows signs of volcanic activity which is quite high and the potential for eruptions still exists even though it is fluctuating.
This is according to the results of observation evaluations by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) as of April 1 – 7 2024.
Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari said, based on the evaluation notes, if the supply of magma from the depths resumes and tends to increase then eruptions can occur with greater energy with the potential/threat of danger from ejections of rock-sized volcanic material (bombs). ), lapilli, or sand is estimated to be able to reach a radius of 4.5 km from the center of the eruption/Verbeek Crater. Meanwhile, the potential/threat from eruption ash can spread wider/far depending on the direction and speed of the wind.
“Eruption material that falls and is deposited on the peak and slopes of Mount Marapi Volcano can become lava when mixed with rainwater. Therefore, there is a potential danger of lava flows/floods in valleys/streams of rivers that originate at the peak of Mount Marapi Volcano. he explained yesterday.
The lava flood phenomenon mentioned in the previous PVMBG evaluation results occurred recently, namely on Friday (5/4). This phenomenon occurred following high-intensity rain occurred in the peak area or upstream of the river where the lava flowed.
Before the incident, the Marapi Volcano Observation Post had provided a report as an early warning that visually the top of the volcano or crater was not visible because it was covered by fog and clouds, which then rained at 12.00 WIB.
Also read: PVMBG Raises Mount Marapi Status to Alert
A few hours later, a lava flood occurred and was reported by several members of the Disaster Risk Reduction Forum (FPRB), volunteers and joint agencies spread across several areas.
On Friday (5/4), at 15.10 the river flowing between Nagari Bukik Batabuah and the Pua River experienced a flood of lava from the top of the Marapi volcano. The flow of the river was observed to be very fast, with a blackish brown color, suspected to be carrying volcanic material.
Similar conditions were also reported in the Batang Sabu River, where the high intensity of rainfall in the upstream area triggered lava floods. Then also the Batang Aia Katiak River which is located in Jorong Cangkiang, Nagari Batu Taba, Ampek Angkek including several areas in the Pua River, Agam Regency.
Also read: Accelerate the evacuation of victims and relocation of communities potentially affected by the Marapi eruption in West Sumatra
Furthermore, the X Koto District area, Tanah Datar Regency also reported the impact of lava floods that had covered roads and residential areas. Several large tree trunk materials mixed with mud and sand were carried away by the lava flood.
The Control and Operations Center (Pusdalops) of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) then collected reports from the Agam Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) where the lava flood incident had an impact on 261 residents from 78 families. At least 31 people were forced to flee due to the incident. A total of 69 houses were affected, and a number of two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles were also damaged by the lava flood.
Furthermore, BPBD Tanah Datar Regency reported that the lava flood had impacted a number of public facilities and infrastructure. The main route from Padang to Bukittinggi was cut off due to the strong currents of lava floods carrying materials in the form of mud, sand and a number of large tree trunks.
Due to this incident, traffic jams occurred on the Bukittinggi-Padang route on Jalan Aia Anggrek and the police implemented an open-close system to reduce the traffic jam.
The lava flood also caused damage to embankments and roads, the prayer room dam collapsed, the Tuluang river irrigation was damaged, the riverbed was eroded, including rice fields belonging to residents who were also affected. (Z-7)
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