Launching Hot Clouds As Far As 1,300 M, Mount Merapi Is On Alert Status

Mount Merapi (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Mount Merapi again launched an avalanche hot cloud (APG) for approximately 1,300 meters, Saturday morning, March 27. The hot cloud glides southwest.

Based on data compiled by the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG), hot clouds of avalanches occurred three times at 06.02, 06.03 and 06.31 WIB.

This phenomenon was also recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 44 millimeters for 130 seconds.

From the results of observations made by BPPTKG since November 5, 2020 until today, it is concluded that the volcanic activity of Mount Merapi is still quite high in the form of effusive eruptions. However, explosive eruptions are also likely to occur with the potential for eruptions of volcanic material that can reach a radius of 3 kilometers from the summit.

"Regarding this activity, BPPTKG has determined the status of Mount Merapi at level III or 'Alert'," said Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Raditya Jati, in a press release, Saturday, March 27.

Jati explained, BPPTKG also noted the current potential hazards in the form of lava avalanches and hot clouds in the south-southwest sector, including the Yellow, Boyong, Bedog, Krasak, Bebeng and Putih rivers for a maximum of 5 km and in the southeast sector, namely the Gendol river as far as 3 kilometers. .

BNPB hopes that the community does not carry out any activities in areas of potential danger.

"People should always be aware of the dangers of lava, especially when it rains around Mount Merapi," said Jati.

In addition, BNPB recommends a temporary suspension of mining activities in the river channel that originates at Mount Merapi in KRB III.

Tourists are also advised not to carry out activities in areas of potential danger and crater openings as far as 5 kilometers from the top of Mount Merapi.

"If there is a significant change in activity, then the activity status of Mount Merapi will be reviewed immediately," said Jati.