Indonesia: Central Java volcano erupts July 2, injuring ten

Event

Ten people were injured when the Sileri Crater at Dieng Plateau, a popular tourist destination on the island of Java, unexpectedly erupted at around 11:30 (local time) on Sunday, July 2, spewing lava, mud, and ash as high as 50 meters (164 feet) into the air. Military and police personnel were deployed to the area and local residents and tourists were asked to evacuate in case of further eruptions.

Government officials later announced that a helicopter dispatched to the area to assist with evacuations crashed with eight people on board. Officials did not indicate whether or not there were any survivors.

Context

Sileri is the most active of the ten craters at Dieng Plateau, most recently erupting in 2009. More than 140 people were killed in 1979 when the volcano released toxic gases. Dieng Plateau, located in Central Java, is a popular tourist destination.

Advice

Individuals present in the area are advised to follow all instructions issued by local authorities and monitor the situation.