Mount Merapi’s eruption this afternoon could bring about dangers, and therefore people have been advised not to carry out any activities in potential hazard areas.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesia’s Mount Merapi spewed hot clouds on Saturday at 12.12 p.m. local time, according to the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) of Yogyakarta province.

BPPTKG observed that there were avalanches of lava with a sliding distance of 1,500 meters to the southwest from the observation post in Babadan sub district.

The center stated that the current potential hazard is in the form of lava avalanches and hot clouds.

In anticipation of potential danger of the volcano’s eruption, people have been advised not to carry out any activities in potential hazard areas.

Locals were asked to always anticipate disturbances due to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Merapi (the most active volcano in Indonesia) and be aware of the danger of lava, especially when it rains around the volcano.

Based on reports from the Mount Merapi Observation Post in Babadan, the hot cloud avalanches also triggered volcanic ash heading northwest-north.

Babadan Pos officer Yulianto said that the Babadan Post was starting to be affected by thick volcanic ash.

Yulianto has also received reports from several locations which are also affected by volcanic ash, including Mangunsuko village, Dukun village, Paten village and Sengi village in Magelang district, Central Java province.

He explained that his party together with BPPTKG would recommend that local residents evacuate if areas covered by hot clouds and volcanic ash develop.

Based on the results of field monitoring from the Regional Disaster Management Agency’s offices in Sleman district, Magelang district, Boyolali district and Klaten district, there have been no reports of significant impacts or casualties.

The situation and conditions are still under control, he said, adding that report results and follow-up monitoring will be updated regularly.

Reporting by Indonesia Window