Alert! Falls Of Mount Merapi Lava Reach 1,700 Meters Tuesday Morning

SLEMAN - Mount Merapi's volcanic activity during the observation period Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 00.00 WIB to 06.00 WIB, showed a significant increase in lava avalanches and avalanches.

The Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) report revealed that 17 lava avalanches were observed towards the southwest sector.

"17 lava avalanches were observed to the southwest (Kali Bebeng) with a maximum sliding distance of 1,700 meters," said Head of BPPTKG Agus Budi Santosa in his official statement on Tuesday, October 15.

The weather around Mount Merapi was reported to be cloudy to cloudy, with air temperatures ranging from 16.7 to 20 degrees Celsius. Although the visual condition of the mountain appears clear, crater smoke was not observed this morning. Meteorological data show the wind blowing to the west with high humidity, reaching 99%.

BPPTKG has set the status of Mount Merapi to be still at Level III (standby). The current potential hazards are in the form of lava avalanches and hot clouds, especially in the South-Southwest sector which includes the Boyong River up to 5 kilometers, as well as the Bedog, Krasak, and Bebeng rivers as far as 7 kilometers. In the Southeast sector, the danger threatens the Woro River basin with a distance of up to 3 kilometers and the Gendol River up to 5 kilometers.

In addition, the ejection of volcanic material from the summit of Mount Merapi has the potential to reach a radius of 3 kilometers, especially in the event of an explosive eruption.

"Residents are advised not to carry out activities in these potential hazard areas," he continued.

BPPTKG also reminded the public to remain alert to the potential for cold lava and hot clouds of avalanches, especially when it rains around Mount Merapi.