The Merapi volcano, located on the island of Java in Indonesia, experienced an eruption on Thursday of this week, according to reports from the local Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center. Over the course of the day, the volcano released lava 24 times to the southwest. This eruption has pushed Merapi to the third danger level on a scale of eight, being classified as “violent” according to the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
Since Merapi is located in the center of Indonesia’s most densely populated island, authorities have issued recommendations to the public to stay several kilometers away from the mountain. Specifically, people are advised to avoid approaching within five kilometers in the southwest and three kilometers in the southeast sectors of the summit. These precautionary measures are intended to protect the public from damage caused by volcanic ash and other materials ejected during the eruption.
Merapi volcano has been under close surveillance due to its history of violent eruptions in the past. Local authorities have established a constant monitoring system to warn of any potentially dangerous volcanic activity. The volcano’s current status and hazard levels are regularly updated in order to ensure the safety of the population and allow for an effective emergency response.
In summary, the Merapi volcano in Java, Indonesia, has erupted, repeatedly releasing lava to the southwest. Due to its classification as “violent” and the associated risks, authorities have advised the population to stay away from the mountain, several kilometers away, in the southwest and southeast sectors. The priority is to safeguard people’s safety and minimize possible damage caused by the ash and materials ejected during this eruption.