Geological Agency Says Magma Supply Still Ongoing At Mount Merapi, Beware Of Hot Clouds

YOGYAKARTA - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources stated that the supply of magma is currently still ongoing, both from deep and shallow volcanic activity on Mount Merapi which is on the border of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Head of the Geological Agency Sugeng Mujiyanto said this condition could trigger hot clouds in potentially dangerous areas.

"Hot clouds and avalanches can occur at any time," he said in a statement received in Jakarta, Antara, Tuesday, March 21.

Based on visual and thermal monitoring on March 18, 2023, the southwestern lava dome still looks active as indicated by high temperatures reaching 230 degrees Celsius.

The southern part of the dome towards Kali Boyong also appears to be still active.

The temperature of the central lava dome of the crater is not much different from the surrounding rocks, but there is a hot spot on the eastern edge of the dome with temperatures reaching 114 degrees Celsius.

From 2021 to 2023, the characteristics of Mount Merapi's eruptions are an effusive eruption preceded by phreatic eruptions, a long duration of eruption, the presence of two lava domes, and considerable deformation.

It is still difficult to predict the time when it will occur, but the potential for danger can be estimated.

Steps to minimize losses and avoid casualties due to eruptions are by increasing the accuracy and speed of hazard assessment and ensuring that the public can respond quickly and appropriately to early warnings.

The current hazard potential is in the form of lava avalanches and hot clouds in the south to the southwest sector, including the Boyong River for a maximum of five kilometers, and the Bedog, Bebeng, and Krasak Rivers for a maximum of seven kilometers.

The southeast sector includes the Woro River for a maximum of three kilometers and the Gendol River for five kilometers. Meanwhile, the ejection of volcanic material in the event of an explosive eruption can reach a radius of three kilometers from the summit.

The Geological Agency appealed to the public and the government to anticipate volcanic ash disturbances. Volcanic ash does not directly endanger life but is quite dangerous for health and the environment. Residents affected by the ash rain did not necessarily have to evacuate.

"Not limited to potential hazard areas at this time, hamlets in disaster-prone areas III, including in the west-northwest sector, are encouraged to make efforts to strengthen their capacity to deal with Mount Merapi disasters through the preparation of facilities, preparedness training, and simulations," Sugeng concluded.