Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity ongoing at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra Province as of March 1

Increased volcanic activity is ongoing at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra Province as of March 1. The volcano erupted the evening of Feb. 29. Minangkabau International Airport (PDG) was temporarily closed at 18:00 Feb. 29, affecting eight flights. As of March 1, the airport has since reopened.

The eruption produced a volcanic ash plume that spread volcanic ash to nearby roads and villages. 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. 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. Disruptions are possible if eruptive activity continues and winds direct ash clouds toward the airports.