Mount Marapi in Indonesia blasts ash 1,000 metres into sky

The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that the eruption, from the nearly 3,900-metre-high volcano, produced seismic activity with a maximum amplitude of 30.3 millimetres and lasted 42 seconds.

Mount Marapi erupted again on April 19 (Photo: Xinhua)
Mount Marapi erupted again on April 19 (Photo: Xinhua)

Jakarta (VNA) – Mount Marapi, located in the Agam and Tanah Datar regencies of Indonesia's West Sumatra province, erupted again on April 19, spewing volcanic ash up to 1,000 metres above its peak.

The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that the eruption, from the nearly 3,900-metre-high volcano, produced seismic activity with a maximum amplitude of 30.3 millimetres and lasted 42 seconds.

Ahmad Rifandi, an officer at the Mount Marapi Volcano Observation Post, said the eruption was in line with the mountain’s ongoing pattern of fluctuating activity. Marapi remains under Level II (Alert) status.

According to PVMBG, the volcano recorded nine eruptions and 125 emission events in April 2025 alone.

Authorities have advised residents, hikers, and tourists to stay at least three kilometres away from the centre of activity at Kawah Verbeek.

Those living in valleys and along rivers flowing from the volcano’s peak were urged to remain alert to cold lava flows, especially during the rainy season, and to keep masks on hand in case of ashfall.

In December 2023, a sudden eruption killed 24 climbers and injured many others. In May 2024, heavy rains combined with volcanic ash triggered deadly mudslides that left at least 50 people dead and caused widespread destruction in the surrounding area./.

VNA

See more

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, speaks at the dialogue. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam reaffirms continued contributions to UNGA President’s Office

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang called on the UNGA President candidate to promote the issues of Vietnam’s concern during her tenure, including the upholding of and respect for international law and the UN Charter, and ensuring a transparent UN reform process with the full participation of all member states.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand outlines strategy for trade talks with US

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira detailed the strategy, which includes restructuring the agricultural processing sector to address domestic supply shortages and identify areas where US imports can complement Thailand's production chains.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra meets with fruit traders at Government House. (Photo: Thai Government House)

Thai PM announces comprehensive support plan for fruit farmers

The initiative involves direct procurement from farmers through four key channels, namely purchase with intent to distribute domestically, corporate social responsibility initiatives, purchase for consumption in organisations, and procurement by government agencies like the Department of Corrections.

Medicines for malaria treatment (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia builds AI model for malaria diagnosis

The National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to support malaria diagnosis, toward warding off the disease by 2030.

Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra holds a press conference after the cabinet meeting on March 13. (Photo: Government House)

Thailand sends trade proposal to US

Thailand is among the Southeast Asian nations hardest hit by measures introduced by US President Donald Trump, facing a tariff of up to 36% on its exports if a reduction cannot be negotiated before a global moratorium expires in July.

Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri (R) speaks in a meeting on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Upgrade in Jakarta on May 9. (Photo: VNA).

Indonesia committed to promoting ATIGA Upgrade

The upgrade seeks to modernise the the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) framework, making it more facilitative for businesses and responsive to regional and global challenges.