36 Merapi Has Released Hot Clouds, Residents Of Turgo Sleman Hamlet Were Evacuated

SLEMAN - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region, evacuated residents of Turgo Hamlet to the evacuation barracks of Purwobinangun Village. Evacuation is carried out after the avalanche activity of Mount Merapi's hot clouds has increased significantly.

"As of tonight, there have been 36 times the avalanches of hot clouds from Merapi, with a sliding distance ranging from 500 to 3,000 meters. For safety considerations, we evacuated vulnerable groups in Turgo Hamlet to the Purwobinangun barracks, Pakem District," said the Head of Emergency and Logistics BPBD Sleman Makwan Regency in Sleman, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, January 27.

According to him, although Turgo Hamlet has a distance of about 6.5 kilometers from the peak of Mount Merapi, but with the consideration of the increased activity of hot cloud avalanches from Merapi, residents of vulnerable groups were evacuated to the Purwobinangun refugee camp.

"The recommendation for a safe radius issued by BPPTKG Yogyakarta is still 5 kilometers from the peak of Merapi, but due to the high intensity of hot cloud avalanches, our vulnerable group members evacuated to the Purwobinangun barracks," he said.

Makwan said that the number of Turgo Hamlet residents who were evacuated to the Purwobinangun refugee barracks is currently still being collected.

"People who are evacuated are vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, toddlers, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities," he said.

The Purwobinangun refugee camp has been prepared since the status of Mount Merapi's activity was raised to Alert Level on November 5, 2020.

"The refugee barracks Purwobinangun are ready, including according to the SOP for the COVID-19 health protocol. The refugee barracks are made with barriers, as well as other supporting facilities, including public kitchens," he said.