Integrating engineering and non-engineering mitigation for secondary hazards at Mount Marapi: Sabo dams and irrigation intakes for debris flow control

Abstract From December 2023 to May 2025, Mount Marapi’s eruptions deposited volcanic material into 25 rivers, reducing flow capacity. On 11 May 2024, heavy rain triggered a deadly flash flood, damaging infrastructure and irrigation, and causing 60 fatalities. This study proposes a comprehensive approach to managing post-eruption floods through river engineering and irrigation management. And non-structural mitigation. The research methodology involves collecting secondary data from related agencies and primary data through interviews and observations of river conditions and irrigation systems. And the community. The study emphasizes the use of river engineering techniques to develop effective structural flood control measures. It also advocates for a combination of structural and non-structural interventions to stabilize river flows and reduce disaster impacts. Structural interventions such as sediment control using sabo dams and the design of irrigation intakes adapted to Mount Marapi’s specific conditions aim to minimize sediment transport, enhance agricultural irrigation systems, and improve overall regional resilience. Furthermore, the study provides policy-relevant insights to support government decision-making and offers a foundation for strengthening community resilience to volcanic hazards.