Early 2025 Mount Merapi Activities Are Still High, BPPTKG Sets Level III Alert Status

Erupsi Gunung Merapi (ANTARA)

SLEMAN - Volcanic activity of Mount Merapi, which is located on the border of the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java, is still showing high intensity.

Based on observations from the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) for the period January 2, 2025 at 00.00-06.00 WIB, lava avalanche activity was recorded.

"Six lava avalanches were observed to the southwest, heading to Kali Krasak and Kali Bebeng, with a maximum sliding distance of 1,800 meters," said Head of BPPTKG Agus Budi Santosa in his official statement on Thursday, January 2.

The weather around Mount Merapi was observed to be cloudy with the wind blowing weakly to moderate to the east. The air temperature ranges from 18-19 degrees Celsius with a humidity of 80-84%. The mountain is seen covered in fog with a level of 0-III fog, and crater smoke is not observed.

The seismograph recorded 30 avalanche earthquakes with an amplitude of 3-54 mm and a duration of 15.65-132.22 seconds. In addition, 13 hybrid earthquakes or multiple phases were detected with an amplitude of 3-5 mm and a duration of 6.37-9.15 seconds, as well as three shallow volcanic activity with an amplitude of 18-33 mm and a duration of 12.13-12.94 seconds.

BPPTKG has set the status of Mount Merapi activity at Level III (Alert). Potential hazards include lava avalanches and hot clouds in the south-southwest sector, including: Boyong River; Maximum 5 km, Bedog River, Krasak, and Bebeng; 7 km, southeast sector: Woro River as far as 3 km and Gendol River as far as 5 km, and volcanic material ejection can reach a radius of three kilometers from the summit.

BPPTKG urges the public not to carry out activities in areas that are included in potential hazard areas. In addition, the public is asked to be aware of the threat of lava and hot clouds, especially during rain, and to anticipate the impact of volcanic ash that can spread to surrounding areas.