Mount Dempo Erupts: Alert for South Sumatra Residents – Stay Informed and Safe

Mount Dempo Erupts Again in South Sumatra

Mount Dempo in Pagar Alam, South Sumatra, Indonesia, erupted on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 13:38 WIB. The eruption produced an ash column approximately 200 meters above the mountain’s summit.

According to Muhammad Wafid, Head of the Geological Agency, the seismogram showed a maximum amplitude of 30 micrometers and lasted for 4 minutes. The ash column appeared grayish and thick, drifting northward. Post-eruption observations recorded no significant seismic activity until 15:00 WIB.

Wafid highlighted that the current hazard presents a risk of phreatic eruptions and material projection from the main crater. Areas within a one-kilometer radius may be affected, depending on wind direction and speed.

Mount Dempo’s volcanic activity level remains at Level II, or “Alert,” one level above “Normal.” The other activity levels are “Caution” (III) and “Danger” (IV).

Wafid urged residents, hikers, and tourists to avoid the crater area and not to camp overnight within the danger zone, which extends one kilometer from the crater and two kilometers north from the opening. Hazards include volcanic gases that are harmful to life.

He reassured residents to stay calm, continue daily activities, and ignore rumors about the eruption. They should stay updated on Mount Dempo’s activity through the MAGMA Indonesia application. Local authorities are advised to coordinate with the Mount Dempo Volcano Observation Post and the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigations (PVMBG).

Wafid confirmed that the volcanic activity level will be reassessed regularly or when significant changes occur. If there are no updates, the activity is regarded as stable.

Mount Dempo is a strato volcano with an elevation of 3,173 meters above sea level. Its eruption history dates back to 1818, with intervals ranging from 1 to 32 years. The last eruption occurred on May 31, 2024, also characterized as a phreatic eruption, with an ash column height similar to the recent one.