Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Mount Merapi, located on the border between the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) and Central Java, erupted twice on Wednesday, September 18, releasing hot clouds down its slopes. The eruptions, recorded at 9:05 AM and 2:52 PM local time, were reported by Agus Budi Santoso, Head of the Yogyakarta Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG).
Agus detailed that the first eruption at 9:05 AM produced hot clouds with a maximum amplitude of 43 mm, lasting for 112 seconds. The clouds traveled 1,100 meters down the southwest slope, toward Kali Bebeng. “The wind was blowing westward,” Agus noted in his statement on Wednesday.
The second eruption, occurring at 2:52 PM, also registered a maximum amplitude of 43 mm but lasted longer—132 seconds. This time, the hot clouds reached a distance of 1,300 meters, once again heading southwest toward the Bebeng River.
According to BPPTKG’s summary of Merapi’s volcanic activity on September 17, a total of 99 lava avalanches were observed, with the farthest reaching 1,700 meters southwest, toward the upper part of the Bebeng River. The agency also recorded a single hot cloud avalanche that day, traveling 1,100 meters in the same direction.
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Despite the increased volcanic activity, Agus assured that BPPTKG is maintaining Mount Merapi’s alert status at Level III (Siaga). This means the potential for further eruptions remains high, but full evacuation is not yet necessary.
As a precaution, BPPTKG has urged residents and visitors to stay clear of danger zones around Merapi. The areas most at risk from lava flows and hot clouds are within the southern and southwestern sectors of the volcano, particularly around the Boyong River (up to 5 kilometers), as well as the Bedog, Krasak, and Bebeng Rivers (up to 7 kilometers). In the southeastern sector, the Woro River (up to 3 kilometers) and Gendol River (up to 5 kilometers) are also vulnerable.
Agus also warned that if an explosive eruption occurs, volcanic material could be ejected up to 3 kilometers from Merapi’s summit, posing a serious hazard to those within that radius.
Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, has a long history of deadly eruptions, making close monitoring and preparedness essential for the communities living nearby.
(Raidi/Agung)
