Powerful Eruption at Indonesia’s Mount Merapi Sends Ash Cloud 1.6km Into the Sky

JAKARTA, Jan 14: Indonesia’s Mount Merapi, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, erupted violently early Wednesday, sending a towering column of volcanic ash and gas up to approximately 1.6 kilometers above its summit, authorities said.

The eruption occurred before dawn at the volcano located in West Sumatra province, according to Indonesia’s Volcano Observation Post (PGA). The ash plume rose to an estimated height of 1,600 meters (about 5,249 feet) from the crater, forming a dense grey cloud visible from surrounding areas.

State news agency Antara reported that the eruption was recorded on seismographs with a maximum amplitude of 28.6 millimeters and lasted for around 31 seconds. PGA official Ahmad Rifandi said volcanic activity was still ongoing at the time of reporting.

No casualties or damage to infrastructure have been reported so far.

Following the eruption, Mount Merapi remains under Alert Level Two, prompting authorities to enforce a strict exclusion zone within a three-kilometer radius of the crater. Residents, tourists, and climbers have been prohibited from entering the restricted area.

Officials have also warned of potential cold lava flows, particularly along rivers that originate from the volcano’s summit. Communities living along these riverbanks have been urged to remain vigilant, especially during heavy rainfall.

Mount Merapi stands at approximately 2,891 meters (around 9,500 feet) above sea level and has long been subject to climbing restrictions near its crater due to frequent volcanic activity.

Indonesia lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity. The country is home to about 130 active volcanoes, making eruptions a recurring natural hazard across the archipelago.