People Should Be Beware Of Lava After Mount Merapi Eruption

JAKARTA - The Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) asked the public to be aware of the lava that was swept into settlements after the eruption of Mount Merapi.

"Recommendations to the public to be aware of the dangers of lava, especially when it rains around Mount Merapi," said BPPTKG Mount Merapi observer officer Heru Suparwaka in his statement, Wednesday, January 27.

Heru also asked the local community not to carry out any activities, including traveling in the area with the potential for volcanic eruption hazard which has a height of 2,968 meters above sea level.

"It is recommended that mining in the rivers that head up on Mount Merapi in a disaster-prone area (KRB) III is recommended to be stopped," he said.

BPPTKG also asked the Sleman Regency, Magelang Regency, Boyolali Regency and Klaten Regency to take mitigation efforts in facing the threat of the current eruption of Mount Merapi.

Heru said that hot cloud vomiting was observed 21 times. "Hot clouds are 21 times, with a maximum amplitude of 600 mm with a duration of 197 seconds. The estimated maximum distance is 1600 meters," Heru said in a written statement, Wednesday, January 27.

Falling hot clouds were swept away by strong winds heading upstream of Kali Krasak and Boyong. Fallout was observed four times with a maximum sliding distance of 800 meters.

The weather is currently cloudy with winds blowing to the east and southeast. The temperature is 20 to 26 degrees Celsius.

"Currently, the level of activity of Mount Merapi is at level III (Alert)," he added.