11 May 2018 | 01:19 PM UTC
Indonesia: Mount Merapi volcano erupts; evacuations and airport closure
Mount Merapi erupts and sends ash into the sky, forcing evacuations and the closure of Yogyakarta's airport May 11
Event
The Merapi volcano, located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta - erupted on the morning (local time) of Friday, May 11, spewing ash as high as 5500 m (18,044 ft). Authorities temporarily suspended operations at Yogyakarta's Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG) and ordered local residents living within a 5 km (3.1 mi) radius of the volcano to evacuate. JOG is expected to resume operations by 20:30. Further delays are possible in the event of additional eruptions.
Context
Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is exposed to a permanent risk of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and tsunami. In October and November 2010, Mount Merapi experienced a series of powerful eruptions that killed over 350 and led more than 20,000 to evacuate.
Advice
Individuals present in Indonesia are advised to keep abreast of the situation, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and confirm their flight reservations.
