A devastating cold lava flood unleashed by Mount Marapi wreaked havoc on residential areas in Indonesia, displacing dozens and causing significant property damage.

Footage captured on Friday (5 April 2024) in Simpang Bukik-Canduang, Agam district, West Sumatra province, depicted the relentless flow of cold lava inundating residential neighborhoods, submerging vehicles, and engulfing houses.

The flood, triggered by the eruption of Mount Marapi, resulted in the closure of access roads, with approximately one kilometer of thoroughfare blocked by debris.

Resident Rinaldi Aldi (48) recounted the terrifying event, describing how the flood originated with ominous rumblings from the mountain, followed by a surge of river water carrying mud, wood, and rocks. Although the initial deluge was formidable, it gradually receded in size.

Heavy rainfall at Mount Marapi's summit in the preceding days exacerbated the situation, culminating in a catastrophic overflow that swept away houses and inflicted damage on numerous businesses. Aldi's residence was among those affected, inundated with mud.

As of the latest update until 00:00 Western Indonesian Time on Saturday, damaged bridges have severed road access, and three houses in Bukik Batabuah have been swept away. Additionally, 38 business establishments sustained flood-related damage.

Despite the destruction, there were no reported casualties. However, 256 individuals from 78 families were impacted, with 68 seeking refuge in evacuation centers and private residences.

The ongoing eruptions of Mount Marapi, which stands at 2,891 meters above sea level, have been a cause for concern since December 3, 2023. The Mount Marapi observation post, operated by the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) in Bukittinggi, recorded two eruptions on Friday alone, bringing the total for April to five.

In March 2024, Mount Marapi experienced a staggering 77 eruptions and 1,638 bursts of volcanic activity, underscoring the persistent threat posed by this active volcano.

A cold lava flood from Mount Marapi caused damage to residential areas in Indonesia. Three houses were washed away, and dozens were displaced. Eight individuals were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Footage filmed on Friday (5 April 2024) in Simpang Bukik-Canduang, Agam district, West Sumatra province, shows the swift flow of cold lava flooding through residential areas and a number of vehicles on the streets and houses.

The access road was closed as about one kilometre of the road was blocked by the flood.

According to Rinaldi Aldi (48), a local resident, a cold lava flood occurred in the late afternoon. It began with a thumping sound from the mountain, followed by river water that gradually enlarged until it overflowed carrying mud, wood and rocks. Initially, the river was large, but it gradually decreased in size.

Aldi stated that heavy rain had been falling at the top of Mount Marapi for several days. However, a large flood eventually overflowed from the river, washing away houses and damaging shops. Aldi's house was also affected, and there is still a lot of mud in it.

According to the latest data until 00:00 Western Indonesian Time on Saturday, road access has been cut off due to damaged bridges. Additionally, three houses in Bukik Batabuah were washed away, while 38 business units were damaged by the flood.

Fortunately, there were no casualties, but 256 people from 78 families were affected. 68 people have sought refuge in evacuation centres and houses.

It is worth noting that Mount Marapi, with an altitude of 2,891 metres above sea level, has been actively erupting since 3 December 2023. The Mount Marapi observation post of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) in Bukittinggi recorded two eruptions on Friday. In April, there have been five eruptions.

In March 2024, Mount Marapi experienced 77 eruptions and 1,638 gusts.