Marapi volcano in Indonesia erupts, spewing lava up to 600 meters above peak

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) – Marapi volcano in West Sumatra, Indonesia, erupted on Friday, spewing lava up to 600 meters above the peak.

"There was an eruption of Mount Marapi on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 10:57 AM (0357 GMT), with an observed ash column height of approximately 600 meters above the summit. The eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 3 mm and a duration of 72 seconds," said the country's Geology Agency.

There are no immediate reports of casualties or infrastructure damage. However, local governments are urged to coordinate with disaster agencies.

Mount Merapi, stands 2,891 meters (9,485 feet) tall and is situated on the island of Sumatra, where authorities have long prohibited residents and tourists from hiking within a 3-kilometer radius of its crater.