Mount Marapi ejected a cloud of ash half a kilometer high into the sky on Wednesday (13/12), said the Center for Volcano and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG), a week after the volcanic eruption claimed the lives of 23 climbers.
The 2,891 meter high mountain, which is one of the most active volcanoes on the island of Sumatra, erupted at around 6 a.m. local time on Wednesday morning and later in the day, said Hendra Gunawan, head of PVMBG.
The eruption, he said, was relatively small considering its recent activity. However, alertness for the volcano remains at the second highest level.
Footage seen by Reuters showed large clouds of gray ash rising from the Marapi crater, and local residents carrying out their daily activities from a safe distance.
Local authorities banned people from climbing the volcano after last week’s eruption, which was the deadliest since 1979 when 60 people died.
Indonesia is located in an area called the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, an area with high seismic activity located on several tectonic plates.
With more than 140 volcanoes, Indonesia has the world’s largest population living near volcanoes, including 8.6 million people within 10 km. (ab/uh)