Indonesia: Authorities maintain "orange" alert level at Mount Merapi in Central Java as of Jan. 11

Event

Authorities maintain an "orange" alert level, the second-highest rating on a four-point scale, at Mount Merapi in Central Java Province as of Jan. 11 following heightened volcanic activity in recent days. The volcanic activity produced ash plumes as high as 200 meters (0.1 miles) and lava flows. Officials have ordered the suspension of tourism activities on the volcano. Hundreds of locals have self-evacuated since early January, though some have returned to the area following a reduction in volcanic activity. Authorities may issue official evacuation orders in the coming days.

Any major eruptions could cause additional low-level seismic activity, as well as ash clouds and landslides in the surrounding area. Ground transport disruptions may occur during any major eruptions, as ashfall could lead to deteriorating road conditions and reduced visibility. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace, especially at Yogyakarta's Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG) and Adi Sumarmo International Airport (SOC). Authorities may temporarily close airport facilities if significant ash accumulations develop.

Health
Volcanic activity may impact air quality in the areas of Central Java surrounding Mount Merapi. Air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater, following any explosive event. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.

Advice

Confirm regional flights. Plan for possible transport disruptions if operating near Mount Merapi. If an eruption occurs, seek updated information on road conditions before driving; due to reduced visibility, drive cautiously in areas affected by ash. Carry facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area. Follow official instructions.

Resources

MAGMA Indonesia
Center for Research and Development of Geological Disaster Technology (BPPTKG) Twitter page (Indonesian)