This long exposure photo taken on May 14, 2023 shows Mount Merapi spewing lava onto its slopes as seen from Srumbung, Central Java. - AFP
JAKARTA: Mount Merapi, an active volcano in Central Java and Yogyakarta, has recently emitted lava and pyroclastic flows that reached distances of up to 1.5km from its summit.
These flows are moving towards upstream rivers nearby, prompting urgent warnings from authorities for residents to avoid the danger zones.
The Yogyakarta Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Centre (BPPTKG) reported that on Tuesday (June 18) at 8.55pm, the flows were observed heading towards the Bebeng River.
"The volcano emitted weakly pressurised white smoke, reaching heights of 25 to 50m above the crater," said the BPPTKG.
In its latest report on Wednesday, it stated that there was one pyroclastic flow and 11 lava flows, all directed southwest with a maximum runout distance of 1.5km.
Current potential hazards include lava and pyroclastic flows in the southwest and southeast sectors, reaching distances between three and seven kilometres towards several nearby rivers.
"Volcanic material projection in the event of an explosive eruption could reach a radius of three kilometres from the summit," the BPPTKG noted, adding that ongoing magma supply could trigger lava and pyroclastic flows within the hazard zone.
Authorities advise vigilance, citing the Alert Level III status since November 2020, and urge preparedness for disruptions from volcanic ash. - Bernama
