05 Dec 2023 | 01:58 PM UTC
Indonesia: Death toll increases following eruption at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra Province as of Dec. 5 /update 2
Death toll increases after Marapi Volcano erupts in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, as of Dec. 5. Further volcanic activity likely.
The death toll has risen following a significant eruption that occurred at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra Province at around 14:54 Dec. 3. As of Dec. 5, authorities have reported 22 fatalities, and one other person remains missing; around 75 climbers were in the area when the volcano erupted. Dozens of people have been rescued, at least 12 of whom are undergoing treatment for injuries. Ongoing volcanic activity at Marapi has hampered recovery efforts over recent days. Rescue operations to locate the final missing hiker are due to resume Dec. 6.
The eruption produced a volcanic ash plume that rose to an estimated altitude of 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), spreading volcanic ash to nearby districts; ashfall has been observed in several locations, including Bukittinggi city. Due to the eruption, Indonesian authorities have placed Marapi on the third highest alert level in a four-tier system and established an exclusion zone 3 km (1.8 miles) around the crater. Residents in communities surrounding the volcano have been advised to reduce outdoor activities and to wear masks due to the threat of ash rain. Authorities have not carried out any evacuations in affected areas of Agam Regency as of Dec. 5. Additional eruptions could cause low-level seismic activity, ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and landslides in the surrounding area.
Further volcanic activity may impact air quality in West Sumatra Province and neighboring areas. Air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater following an explosive event. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.
Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall, and visibility could be reduced. Officials may close roads near the volcano depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace; as of Dec. 5, flights at the closest main airport to Marapi, Minangkabau International (PDG), serving Padang, are operating as normal. Disruptions are possible if eruptive activity continues and winds direct ash clouds toward the airports.
Plan for possible transport disruptions if operating near Marapi Volcano over the coming days. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving; drive cautiously in areas affected by ash and consequently reduced visibility. Carry facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area. Confirm flights.
