Merapi Level Alert, Lava Ejection Reaches 1,800 Meters

Illustration of the eruption of Mount Merapi (ANTARA)

BOYOLALI - The head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Boyolali Regency, Suratno, appealed to the people in Selo District to increase vigilance as the activity of lava discharge from Mount Merapi increased. Residents are asked to stay away from activities along the river channel upstream of Merapi, especially during rain, to anticipate the threat of lava and lava discharge.

The appeal was made following the latest report on Mount Merapi's activity released by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) through the Geological Hazard Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG), Wednesday, January 21. In the report, Merapi's activity is still at Level III or Alert.

Based on visual observations, the peak of Mount Merapi was observed to be covered by fog with intensity 0-II to 0-III, while the crater smoke was not observed. From the aspect of geomorphology, 22 subsidence earthquakes, 17 hybrid earthquakes or many phases, and one shallow volcanic earthquake were recorded.

BPPTKG reported six lava flows that slid towards the southwest. The flows lead to the Kali Sat or White Stream, Kali Bebeng, and Kali Krasak with a maximum sliding distance of 1,800 meters.

Previously, on Tuesday (20/1), Mount Merapi was also recorded to have 21 lava flows with an average sliding distance of 1,900 meters. This data shows that Merapi's lava flow activity is still fluctuating and has the potential to continue.

BPPTKG said the main potential danger at this time was the ejection of lava and ejection hot clouds in the south to southwest sectors. Potential affected areas include the Boyong River up to a maximum of 5 kilometers, as well as the Bedog River, Krasak River, and Bebeng River up to 7 kilometers.

Meanwhile, in the southeast sector, potential hazards include the Woro River channel for 3 kilometers and the Gendol River for 5 kilometers.

"The supply of magma is still ongoing and has the potential to trigger hot cloud eruptions in vulnerable areas," explained BPPTKG.

The public is urged not to carry out activities in disaster-prone areas, and to increase vigilance against the potential of lava and falling hot clouds, especially during rain. Residents are also asked to anticipate the possibility of volcanic ash disruption if an eruption occurs at any time.

BPPTKG emphasized that it would immediately review and officially announce if there were significant changes in the status of Mount Merapi's activity.