Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Mount Dempo in Pagaralam City, South Sumatra, remains blanketed in mist after erupting on Saturday afternoon, prompting authorities to close all hiking routes temporarily.

“Post-eruption, Mount Dempo’s activity remains shrouded in mist, and the lake’s surface is not visible,” said Hadi Wijaya, the Head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), in Palembang on Sunday (24/11/2024).

Tremors continue to be recorded at magnitudes of 1–3 micrometers, predominantly at one micrometer. Due to the potential hazards, PVMBG has advised residents and visitors to avoid the Marapi Crater area, maintaining a one-kilometer distance from the crater and a two-kilometer radius in the northern sector.

“We urge everyone to refrain from camping or any activity near Mount Dempo’s crater due to volcanic gasses and the risk of further eruptions,” Hadi emphasized, as reported by antaranews.com..

Dika, a member of the Mount Dempo Registration Brigade, confirmed the hiking ban. 

“The trails are officially closed as of today, with no further hiking activities permitted,” he said.

During the eruption, 68 hikers were registered on Mount Dempo. According to Dika, all hikers safely descended after receiving alerts via WhatsApp and SMS.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)