Indonesia: Mount Merapi volcano erupts June 21

Event

Mount Merapi, located approximately 30 km (18 mi) north of Yogyakarta, erupted during the morning of Sunday, June 21, releasing a 6km (3.7 mi) ash column. At least eight villages in the vicinity of the volcano were covered with discharged ash, and authorities warned those living nearby that further ash falls and lava flows were possible. Settlements in Srumbung district (Central Java province) are among those worst affected. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) did not raise the volcano's alert status, which is currently at 'caution', the second-highest level in a four-tiered system. PVMBG continues to advise that residents do not approach within a 3 km (1.8 mi) radius of Merapi.

Further eruptions are possible in the coming hours and days.

Advice

Those present in the affected area are advised to avoid the vicinity of the volcano, monitor the situation, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.