04 Dec 2023 | 03:37 AM UTC
Indonesia: Fatalities reported following eruption at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra Province Dec. 3 /update 1
Fatalities reported after Marapi Volcano erupts in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, Dec. 3. Further volcanic activity likely.
Authorities confirmed 11 fatalities early Dec. 4 following a significant eruption that occurred at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra Province at around 14:54 Dec. 3. 12 others remain missing; 75 climbers were in the area when the volcano erupted. Dozens of people have been rescued, many of which are being treated for burns. Authorities have temporarily halted search and rescue operations Dec. 4 due to safety concerns.
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. Reports indicate authorities have evacuated several communities around the volcano. Additional eruptions could cause low-level seismic activity, ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and landslides in the surrounding area. The Marapi Volcano could emit further gas and ash clouds in the coming days.
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 early Dec. 4, 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.
