Inp.polri.go.id - Bukittinggi. The city of Bukittinggi in West Sumatra and its surrounding areas were covered with volcanic ash from Mount Marapi, which erupted on early Sunday morning (18/2/2024). Apart from the eruption, the volcano, which is on alert status, continued to emit ash. Ash rain is more noticeable for residents in the foothills of the 2,891 meter high Mount Marapi. "In Batabuah Hill, ash rain is more intense. The thickness is worse than what is felt in Bukittinggi. Currently, we can only pray," said the Village Head of Bukit Batabuah, Agam District, Firdaus. Mount Marapi Volcano observer Ahmad Rifandi advised local residents to use masks covering the nose and mouth to avoid upper respiratory tract infections and  to equip themselves with other protective gear to safeguard their eyes and skin. He also advised them to protect clean water sources and clean the roofs from thick volcanic ash. As of Sunday, the the Mount Marapi observation center recorded 169 eruptions of Mount Marapi, with volcanic ash emissions from the summit reaching 1,315 times. (mg/inp/pr/nm)