23-5-2023 (Jakarta) Mount Merapi, one of the world’s most active volcanoes located in Indonesia, erupted on Tuesday, unleashing a powerful display of lava that surged more than two kilometers away from its crater.
The eruption was captured in stunning images released by the Merapi Volcano Observatory, a government-run institution responsible for monitoring volcanic activities. The visuals showcased the molten lava flowing from the smoking crater, painting a picture of the volcano’s intense activity.
According to the Centre for Research and Development of Geological Disaster Technology (BPPTKG), a government agency dedicated to monitoring volcanic phenomena, several minor tremors linked to Merapi’s eruption were detected on Tuesday. Agus Budi Santoso, the head of BPPTKG, highlighted that although Merapi’s activity had experienced a slight increase in recent days, such fluctuations were not uncommon for the volcano.
Indonesia’s Mount Merapi Volcano Erupts, Spews Avalanche Of Lava https://t.co/3H7pCclCvO pic.twitter.com/whETDHTDdr
— NDTV News feed (@ndtvfeed) May 23, 2023
Due to the clear weather conditions, the volcanic eruption was easily visible to onlookers, offering a mesmerizing yet ominous sight. Merapi, situated a mere 28 kilometers north of Yogyakarta, the capital of the province, is under constant surveillance by the monitoring agency.
As a precautionary measure, authorities had previously designated a restricted zone extending seven kilometers from the volcano’s vicinity following a thorough risk assessment for nearby villages. Fortunately, the lava expelled during Tuesday’s eruption fell well within the established restriction zone, ensuring the safety of the local communities.
Santoso confirmed that the alert level for Mount Merapi, which has been maintained at the second-highest level since 2020 due to increased volcanic activity, remains unchanged. Vigilance and monitoring efforts continue to be prioritized to ensure the safety of residents in the surrounding areas.
The devastating impact of Mount Merapi’s eruptions was evident in its most recent major eruption in 2010, claiming the lives of over 300 individuals and necessitating the evacuation of approximately 280,000 residents. This event stood as the volcano’s most powerful eruption since 1930 when it claimed the lives of around 1,300 people.
