Indonesia: Mount Marapi Erupts Again, Blanketing Villages in Ash

Mount Marapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted on Sunday, releasing thick columns of ash that reached heights of 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) and covering nearby villages in volcanic debris, The Associated Press reported yesterday.

The eruption, which occurred in Agam district, West Sumatra, did not result in any reported casualties. Officials from Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center noted that the volcano has remained at the second highest alert level since January, restricting access within 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) of the crater due to potential lava flows. This eruption follows a tragic incident in December 2023, when 24 climbers lost their lives during a sudden eruption.

The region is still recovering from a devastating landslide caused by monsoon rains, which killed 67 people earlier this year. As the rainy season approaches, villagers remain vigilant, having learned crucial lessons on disaster preparedness in the face of such natural threats.