Indonesia's Marapi volcano erupts, ash up to 300 metres in the sky

JAKARTA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua): The Marapi volcano in Indonesia's West Sumatra province erupted for about 45 seconds on Saturday, throwing ash up to 300 metres above its peak, according to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.

"The eruption happened at 6:11 a.m. local time (23:11 GMT). The ejection of ash accompanied by sand has the potential to hit the surrounding area," the centre said in a press release.

As high as 2,891 meters above sea level, this mountain has been active since Dec. 25, 2022.

Currently, Marapi is in the second level of danger status.

The authorities urge tourists not to be within a radius of 3 km from the Verbeek Crater. - Xinhua