Mount Merapi Erupts 8 Times, Spewing Lava up to 1.6 Kilometers

(Yogyakarta, Indonesia) - Mount Merapi, located on the border of Central Java and Yogyakarta, has once again erupted, spewing lava and ash into the air. According to Agus Budi Santoso, Head of the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) Yogyakarta, the volcano was observed to emit white smoke with moderate to high intensity, reaching 100-150 meters above the crater's peak, from 00.00 to 06.00 WIB on Sunday (January 26, 2025).

During this period, the volcano experienced 53 rockfall earthquakes and 7 hybrid earthquakes. Agus added that Mount Merapi also erupted 8 times, spewing lava up to 1.6 kilometers towards the southwest (Kali Bebeng/Kali Krasak).

In the past 24 hours (00.00-24.00 WIB) on Saturday (January 25, 2025), the volcano experienced 171 rockfall earthquakes and 17 hybrid earthquakes. "During this period, Mount Merapi erupted 9 times, spewing lava up to 1.6 kilometers towards the southwest," Agus explained.

The BPPTKG Yogyakarta has maintained the alert level of Mount Merapi at Level III (Siaga), and residents are advised to stay away from the danger zones that have been recommended. Agus warned that the current potential hazards include lava flows and hot ash clouds in the southern-southwest sector, which could reach up to 5 km in the Kali Boyong area, 7 km in the Kali Bedog, Krasak, and Bebeng areas, and 3 km in the Kali Woro area.

Additionally, Agus cautioned that if an explosive eruption were to occur, volcanic material could be thrown up to 3 km from the crater's peak. "Monitoring data shows that magma supply is still ongoing, which could trigger the occurrence of hot ash clouds and lava flows within the danger zones. Residents are advised not to engage in any activities within these areas," he said.

Agus also warned residents to be aware of the dangers of lahars and hot ash clouds, especially during rainfall around Mount Merapi, and to anticipate disruptions caused by volcanic ash from the eruption. "If there are significant changes in the volcano's activity, the alert level will be reviewed immediately," he concluded. (Raya Sanjiwani)