01 Jun 2018 | 08:09 AM UTC
Indonesia: Mount Merapi eruption intensifies June 1 /update 2
Airlines forbidden to fly over Mount Merapi due to eruption on Java island as of June 1; evacuation orders still in effect
Event
The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency has announced increased volcanic activity at Mount Merapi - located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta - which started at 08:20 (local time) on Friday, June 1. A warning has been issued forbidding airlines from flying over the Mount Merapi airspace due to the presence of dangerous volcanic ash in the atmosphere. For the moment no disruptions have been reported at Yogyakarta's Adisutjipo International Airport (JOG), although flight delays and cancelations are possible in the coming hours and days if volcanic activity intensifies further.
An evacuation order issued for areas within a 3-km (1.9 mi) radius of the volcano issued on May 21 remains in effect as of June 1, and authorities continue to advise individuals in the vicinity to wear masks to protect themselves from toxic particles in the air.
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. 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.
