Listen to this article Mount Merapi Erupts, Covering Villages in Ash
Introduction
On March 11th, Mount Merapi Erupts one of the world’s most active volcanoes, spewing out smoke and ash that blanketed nearby villages. Furthermore, the Merapi Volcano Observatory recorded the eruption, which took place at 12:12 pm (0512 GMT). As a result, the ash cloud reached an estimated 3,000 meters (9,600 feet) above the summit.
Immediate Impacts
Local news outlet, Kompas TV, broadcasted images of ash-covered houses and roads in a village near the volcano, located on Java Island, near Indonesia’s cultural capital, Yogyakarta. The volcano’s eruption affected at least eight villages near its base. The country’s disaster mitigation agency has not reported any casualties yet, but they have advised nearby residents to stop any activities in the potential danger area.
Potential Danger
The agency spokesperson, Abdul Muhari, urged residents to anticipate potential danger from Mount Merapi eruption and to be aware of potential disruptions caused by ash and volcanic mudflow. Heavy rain near the volcano can trigger volcanic mudflow, also known as lahars. Muhari added that the public should stay informed about the volcano’s activity and heed the advice of authorities to ensure their safety.
Impact on the Region
Merapi’s eruption has prompted the authorities to establish a restricted zone of 7km from the crater. This area is off-limits to residents and tourists until further notice. The volcano’s last major eruption in 2010 killed more than 300 people and forced the evacuation of some 280,000 residents. Merapi had not experienced an eruption as powerful as this since 1930, when it claimed the lives of about 1,300 people. An eruption in 1994 left about 60 people dead. The volcano’s alert status has remained at the second-highest level since 2020 after showing renewed activity.
The Ring of Fire
Indonesia is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where the meeting of continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic activity. As a result, the country has nearly 130 active volcanoes, making it one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Additionally, the Ring of Fire, which extends from New Zealand to South America, is home to 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes.
Conclusion
The eruption of Mount Merapi has raised concerns about the potential impacts on nearby communities and the region as a whole. Authorities and scientists will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the volcano’s activity. Residents in the area are advised to stay informed about the situation and heed the advice of authorities to ensure their safety.
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