ALERT LEVEL RAISED TO III AS MOUNT MERAPI ERUPTS IN INDONESIA

Thu 03 October 2024:

Indonesia raised its alert level to Level III as of Thursday due to the eruption of Mount Merapi, the country’s most active volcano, which has already generated 21 significant lava flows.

Located on the densely populated island of Java, the volcano’s increased activity presents a heightened risk to surrounding communities, as reported by the Jakarta Globe.

“The lava fall may reach a maximum distance of 1,500 meters, (4,921 feet),” said Agus Budi Santoso, head of the Center for Research and Development of Geological Disaster Technology.

“Seismic data has recorded 40 instances of cluster earthquakes,” he added.

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Authorities are advising residents to steer clear of the exclusion zone, especially in river valleys where lava flows are likely to occur.

Mount Merapi, located on the island of Java, Indonesia, is one of the world’s most active and dangerous volcanoes. Its eruptions have been recorded for centuries, with some of the most devastating occurring in recent history.

The volcano has erupted regularly, with major eruptions recorded in 1006, 1786, 1822, and 1930, the latter killing over 1,300 people. More recent eruptions include a deadly event in 2010, which was the largest in over a century. This eruption led to the evacuation of 350,000 people and claimed over 350 lives due to pyroclastic flows and ash clouds that devastated nearby villages.

Merapi erupted again in 2018, although less destructively, forcing temporary evacuations. In 2020 and 2021, the volcano had smaller eruptions, sending ash plumes into the sky but with minimal casualties. Its constant activity poses ongoing risks to nearby residents, who live in one of the most densely populated regions in the world.

Mount Merapi’s eruptions are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for high seismic and volcanic activity. The Indonesian government and scientists closely monitor the volcano, with early warning systems in place to minimize the loss of life during future eruptions.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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