BPPTKG: There Is No Indication Of A Major Eruption At Merapi

YOGYAKARTA - The Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) said that based on the latest monitoring data, there is no indication that Mount Merapi will experience a major eruption in the near future.

"Based on current monitoring data (March 14, 2022), there is no indication that a large eruption will occur at Merapi," said Head of BPPTKG Hanik Humaida in a written statement quoted by Antara, Tuesday, March 15.

According to Hanik, if in the future Merapi erupts, the city of Yogyakarta is still safe from the threat of danger.

BPTTKG estimates that volcanic ash can still reach the area depending on the strength of the eruption and wind direction.

"During the 2018-2022 eruption period, only two times of Merapi's volcanic ash reached Yogyakarta," said Hanik.

Meanwhile, a number of tourist destinations that will be visited by the G20 delegates while in DIY are also ensured to be safe from the impact of the danger of an eruption.

According to him, all tourist destinations located outside the potential hazard areas set by the BPPTKG can still operate normally.

"Almost all tourist objects (in DIY) are outside the potential danger area of Mount Merapi eruption," said Hanik.

Including Borobudur Temple in Central Java, according to him, is also safe to visit because the distance from Mount Merapi is still about 27 km to the southwest.

"The danger that may occur is volcanic ash that can reach Borobudur depending on the intensity of the eruption, direction and wind speed during the eruption," said Hanik Humaida.

Until now BPPTKG still maintains the status of Mount Merapi at Level III or Alert.

The current potential hazards are lava avalanches and hot clouds in the south-southwest sector covering the Boyong River for a maximum of 5 km, and the Bedog, Krasak, Bebeng rivers for a maximum of 7 km.

Meanwhile, the southeast sector covers the Woro River for a maximum of 3 km and the Gendol River for a maximum of 5 km.

If the volcano experiences an explosive eruption, the ejection of volcanic material can reach an area within a radius of three kilometers from the top of the mountain.