Indonesia: Evacuations due to Mount Merapi eruptions May 21

Event

Mount Merapi -a volcano located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta - erupted several times on Monday, May 21. Authorities have ordered local residents living within a 3-km (1.9 mi) radius of the volcano to evacuate. The evacuation order remains in effect as of Tuesday afternoon (local time), May 22. No disruptions at Yogyakarta's Adisutjipo International Airport (JOG) have been reported, although disruptions cannot be ruled out in the coming hours and days if the volcanic activity intensifies.

Context

Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is exposed to a permanent risk of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis. In October and November 2010, Mount Merapi experienced a series of powerful eruptions that killed more than 350 people and forced more than 20,000 others to evacuate.

Earlier in May, volcanic activity at Mount Merapi forced the temporarily suspension of operations at JOG as well as evacuations.

Advice

Individuals present in Indonesia are advised to keep abreast of the situation, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and confirm flight reservations.