Mount Marapi Erupts Nine Times Since Early January

RRI.CO.ID, Padang – Volcanic activity at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra continues to escalate. The Geological Agency has recorded nine eruptions since the beginning of January 2026.

The most recent eruption of the volcano, situated between Tanah Datar and Agam Regencies, occurred yesterday, on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 11:11 a.m. Jakarta time. The Bukittinggi Volcano Observation Post (PGA) reported an ash column reaching a height of 600 meters above the summit.

The summit of Marapi Volcano stands approximately 3,491 meters above sea level. PGA officer Ahmad Rivandi explained that the thick gray ash column was observed drifting toward the northeast.

"The eruption was recorded on the seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 30.4 millimeters and a duration of 34 seconds. The day prior, on January 25, the volcano also erupted at 14:32 a.m. Jakarta time," he said.

Ahmad further clarified that during the previous eruption, vibrations were captured by the seismograph despite a lack of visual confirmation. The maximum amplitude for the January 25 event was recorded at 27.5 millimeters, lasting 28 seconds.

Lana Saria, Head of the Geological Agency, noted that Mount Marapi remains at Level II or Alert status. She urged local residents and hikers to stay outside a 3-kilometer radius from the center of volcanic activity.

Lana Saria also warned residents living in valleys or along riverbanks originating from the Verbeek Crater to remain vigilant for potential lahars. The risk of secondary volcanic mudflows could increase significantly, particularly during the rainy season. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)