The Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) reported an increase in volcanic activity at Mount Merapi. Based on recent observations, the 2,968-meter-high mountain above sea level was observed emitting incandescent lava avalanches nine times, reaching a maximum distance of two kilometers toward the Sat and Putih river channels.
In addition to visual lava flows, monitoring instruments recorded fairly intensive seismic activity. Data from the Magma Indonesia website shows 42 avalanche earthquakes and nine multi-phase or hybrid earthquakes, indicating ongoing magma movement within the mountain.
Although volcanic activity tends to increase, weather conditions around the peak area were reported clear with temperatures ranging from 15.8 to 17 degrees Celsius. As of now, Mount Merapi's alert status remains at Level III (Alert), and the public is urged to stay vigilant against potential hazards of lava avalanches and pyroclastic flows.
Relevant authorities once again reminded residents not to conduct activities within the designated danger radius. Given Mount Merapi's active nature, volcanic material ejecta poses a risk of reaching up to a three-kilometer radius from the crater center, especially along the rivers originating from the mountain.
