Dangers Of Lava And Hot Clouds, Mount Merapi Launches 1.8 Kilometer Lava Falls

Mount Merapi (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) recorded incandescent lava avalanche activity with a maximum distance of 1.8 kilometers from Mount Merapi located in Central Java and Yogyakarta. Mount Merapi Observation Post officer Suraji said the volcanic activity occurred on October 8, 2023, at 18.00 to 24.00 WIB. "There were also 30 times of lava avalanches towards Kali Bebeng with a maximum sliding distance of 1,800 meters," said Suraji, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, October 7. During that six hour period, BPPTKG recorded 30 avalanches with an amplitude of 3 to 14 millimeters and long earthquakes of 35.64 to 197.24 seconds. There were also 30 if hybrid earthquakes or multi-phase earthquakes with an amplitude of 3 to 10 millimeters, the S-P was not observed, and long earthquakes of 4.4 to 9.32 seconds. Since January 1, 2023 to October 9, 2023, the number of eruptions of Mount Merapi had been recorded there were 28 times. Potential hazards in the form of lava avalanches and hot clouds in the south-southwest sector covering the Boyong River as far as a maximum of five kilometers; Bedog, Krasak, Bebeng rivers as far as a maximum of seven kilometers. In the southeast sector covering the Woro River as far as a maximum of five kilometers and the Gendol River as far as five kilometers. Meanwhile, the eruption of volcanic material in case of an explosive eruption can reach a radius of three kilometers from the peak of Mount Merapi.

BPPTKG urges the public not to carry out any activities in areas of potential danger. In addition, the public is also advised to anticipate disturbances due to volcanic ash and be aware of the dangers of lava, especially when it rains around the volcano which has a level III status or is on standby since November 2020.