Pagaralam, KOTABARI.COM – Mount Dempo Volcano (GAD) in Pagaralam City, South Sumatra, has experienced three eruptions within a span of two days. On Tuesday night (July 25, 2023), around 9:35 PM local time, GAD spewed magma accompanied by volcanic ash emissions twice. This event has raised concerns and alerted the local residents and authorities.
On Wednesday (July 26, 2023), a similar eruption occurred at 3:45 PM local time. However, due to thick clouds covering the GAD summit, the eruption was not visually observed.
Megian, a staff member of the GAD Monitoring Post, confirmed the eruption incidents. Based on visual observations, the volcano was clearly visible up to the Kabut 0-II level. The main crater emitted white and grayish smoke with a moderate to thick intensity, reaching heights of approximately 1500-2000 meters above the summit. Furthermore, magma sparks were observed from the GAD summit during the eruption on Tuesday night at around 9:35 PM.
Megian also provided seismic data recorded during yesterday’s eruptions. There were two instances of eruption seismic activity with amplitudes of 30-35 mm and durations of 58-204 seconds. Additionally, there were two cases of tremor seismic activity with amplitudes of 2-8 mm and durations of 37-87 seconds. Furthermore, seven shallow volcanic earthquakes were detected with amplitudes of 1-5 mm and durations of 2-7 seconds. Moreover, one deep volcanic earthquake occurred with an amplitude of 12 mm, an S-P interval of 1 second, and a duration of 8 seconds. Additionally, there was one local tectonic earthquake with an amplitude of 6 mm, an S-P interval of 6 seconds, and a duration of 16 seconds. Finally, one continuous tremor earthquake with amplitudes of 2-5 mm and a dominant amplitude of 3 mm was recorded.
As of now, the status of Mount Dempo remains at level II, which is on Alert status with a Recommendation. The authorities continue to monitor the situation and will assess any further increase in volcanic activity. Residents in the surrounding areas and potentially affected communities are urged to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of the authorities.
Volcanic eruptions are natural phenomena that cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, the authorities strive to prioritize the safety and security of residents while providing accurate and up-to-date information about volcanic activity. Local residents around GAD are advised to keep track of official news and information from relevant authorities to anticipate any changes in status and necessary safety measures.