REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BUKITTINGGI -- The Volcano Observatory Post (PGA) reported that the volcanic earthquake in Mount Marapi remains low after the eruption on Wednesday, an official, Hartanto said. Since two eruptions on Friday (April 27) and Wednesday (May 2), there were only 10 quakes recorded.

"It is natural for a volcano in the level II alert status," he stated in Bukittinggi City, West Sumatra Province.

Following the eruption, the volcano still emits smoke. "The mountain spewed thick grey volcanic ash and some white ash, as well as smoke, from the crater," he added.

The observatory post will continue to observe the volcanic activity of Mount Marapi to anticipate other eruptions. When the number of volcanic quake reaches 50 per day, the authority will raise the alert status to the second highest level II.

Beside the seismic activity, the authority will also analyze the possibility of hot cloud that may be spewed from the crater. "We hope the volcanic activity at Mount Marapi will remain low, but if the situation is getting critical, we will evacuate the people," he revealed.

Since Aug 2011, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has announced that Mount Marapi remains in the alert status level II. The authority has also banned residents from performing any activities within three-kilometer radius from the crater.

"We have installed several warning signs for the climbers to avoid the three-kilometer radius from the crater, because the volcano may spew dangerous materials anytime," he noted.

Situated between two districts of Agam and Tanah Datar, Mount Marapi is part of the volcano chain "Rings of Fire" in West Sumatra Province.

The volcano had erupted twice last year.

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