Indonesia's Marapi volcano, located in West Sumatra province, erupted on Sunday, just six weeks after a fatal eruption claimed the lives of more than 20 people. The country's geological agency reported that ash rose approximately 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) from the volcano's peak during the eruption. The agency has advised the evacuation of individuals residing within a 4.5 km (2.8 miles) radius of the eruption's center, as there is a possibility of lava flows in nearby rivers and valleys.
To ensure the safety of residents, the agency has also recommended the usage of masks in case of ash fall, as this can help prevent respiratory illnesses. The eruption on Sunday marked at least two instances of volcanic activity, occurring before 0337 GMT. Marapi is known as one of Sumatra's most active volcanoes, and its eruption last month sent grey clouds of ash soaring as high as 3 km (2 miles).
Indonesia is situated along the "Pacific Ring of Fire," a region characterized by high seismic activity due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates. Volcanic ash from the recent eruption covered nearby houses, vehicles, and evacuation tents that had been set up by the local disaster agency, as documented by Reuters footage.
Following the eruption, several residents sought health facilities for respiratory checkups. The authorities have promptly distributed masks to aid in minimizing the risk of inhalation of volcanic ash. The situation is being closely monitored by the country's geological agency, which will continue to provide updates regarding any further volcanic activity and necessary precautions to be taken.