Heavy Rain, Beware Of Cold Lava Eruption Of Mount Merapi

Illustration of the eruption of Mount Merapi (ANTARA)

SLEMAN - Mount Merapi has again been hit by heavy rains with high intensity since Monday, December 9 in the early hours of the morning, increasing the risk of cold lava in the rivers that originate on the slopes of the mountain.

According to a report from the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG), the rain started at 03.15 WIB with a volume of 70 mm and an intensity of 23 mm/hour, lasting more than three hours. Until 06.24 WIB, the rain was still ongoing.

BPPTKG reminded the public to increase awareness of the dangers of cold lava and hot clouds of avalanches, especially in areas of potential danger.

"Be aware of the dangers of lahars in rivers that originate in Mount Merapi and hot clouds of avalanches in potential hazard areas. The public is advised to stay away from danger areas and comply with recommendations," said Head of BPPTKG Agus Budi Santoso in his official statement on Monday (9/11/24) regarding heavy rains on Mount Merapi.

Mount Merapi is currently on alert (level III), with still significant volcanic activity. Based on the latest observation report on Sunday (8/12/2024), 154 avalanches of material with a maximum sliding distance of 1,500 meters to the southwest, including Bebeng River and Krasak. The seismic activity is also quite high, including 84 hybrid earthquakes/many phases and 30 shallow volcanic earthquakes.

The weather around Mount Merapi is reported to be cloudy to rain with daily rainfall reaching 95 mm. This condition increases the potential for cold lava flows that can bring volcanic material to areas around rivers such as the Boyong, Bedog, Krasak, Bebeng, Woro, and Gendol rivers.

BPPTKG recommends that residents avoid all activities within the potential hazard zone, which is up to 5-7 km from the peak of Merapi in the south-southwest and southeast sectors.

The public is advised to increase awareness of the threat of cold lava, especially during the long rain, and be aware of volcanic ash due to heavy rains on Mount Merapi which can disrupt community activities.