Merapi Launches Hot Clouds, Boyolali and Klaten Are Flooded with Ash Rain

Ash rain occurred in Boyolali and Klaten, Central Java, due to the eruption of Mount Merapi. Merapi's status is still on alert (Level III).

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Merapi Luncurkan Awan Panas, Boyolali dan Klaten Diguyur Hujan Abu

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

Residents from the background of Mount Merapi are shrouded in clouds seen from Ketep Pass, Magelang District, Central Java, on Wednesday (13/12/2023).

YOGYAKARTA, KOMPAS - Mount Merapi on the border of Central Java and Yogyakarta Special Region has experienced four times of pyroclastic flows on Sunday (21/1/2024) from morning until afternoon. As a result of the pyroclastic flows that occurred on Sunday afternoon, there was ash rain in Boyolali and Klaten regencies, Central Java.

According to data from the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG), the first hot cloud avalanche occurred at 08:25 AM. The hot cloud had a maximum amplitude of 62 millimeters (mm), duration of 191.28 seconds, and slid a maximum distance of 2,000 meters to the southwest or towards Kali Bebeng.

After that, on Sunday at 1:55 PM, there was a pyroclastic flow with a maximum amplitude of 42 mm, duration of 214.40 seconds, and a maximum sliding distance of 2,000 meters towards the southwest or towards the Bebeng River.

Another hot cloud avalanche occurred at 14:12 WIB with a maximum amplitude of 70 mm, duration of 239.64 seconds, and maximum sliding distance of 2,400 meters to the southwest. When the two hot cloud avalanches occurred, Mount Merapi was shrouded in fog and the wind direction was towards the east.

Afterwards, on Sunday at 5:19 PM, Merapi once again erupted a pyroclastic flow. The pyroclastic flow had a maximum amplitude of 70 mm, duration of 150 seconds, and maximum sliding distance of 1,500 meters to the southwest.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Smoke billows from the solfataras on Mount Merapi could be seen from Candisari Village, Ampel, Boyolali, Central Java, on Monday (11/12/2023).

The Head of the Emergency Response Unit of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Central Java, Muhamad Chomsul, stated that the pyroclastic flow from Mount Merapi on Sunday afternoon resulted in a rainfall of ash in several areas in Central Java, namely in Klaten and Boyolali. The ash rain was reported to have occurred around 1:55 PM.

"Based on BPBD Klaten's observation, there was no panic among residents or visitors at the tourist sites affected by the ash rain. The ash rain also did not have a significant impact as there was rain right after it, which swept away the volcanic ash," said Chomsul.

Also read: Digest the Latest Patterns of Mount Merapi

The Head of Klaten District's BPBD, Nurcahyo, revealed that the impact of volcanic ash was only experienced in two hamlets in Tegalmulyo Village, Kemalang Subdistrict, namely Pajegan and Girpasang. The area is classified as a Disaster-Prone Area (KRB) III.

"However, the impact of this volcanic ash is not too significant. The volcanic ash is also immediately swept away by the following rainwater," said Nurcahyo.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

A glowing lava flow from Mount Merapi was visible from Kemiren Village, Srumbung, Magelang, Central Java, early Tuesday (23/5/2023) morning.

Nurcahyo revealed that the eruption could be seen from two other villages that fall under level III hazard category, those villages are Balerante and Sidorejo in Kemalang District. However, the situation is still safe and under control in those two villages. Volcanic ash did not spread to those areas.

Furthermore, Nurcahyo stated that his team is currently coordinating and monitoring the latest condition of the volcano's activities. He requested that the public not panic and continue to follow information regarding the volcano from authorized institutions such as BPPTKG.

"For the direct impact in Klaten, especially in KRB III, it is not yet too significant. However, there is still preparedness and vigilance among all village-level volunteers, sub-districts, and stakeholders," said Nurcahyo.

Also read: Since early morning, Merapi has spewed hot clouds 9 times

. The volcanic ash was immediately swept away by the rainwater that followed shortly thereafter.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

The hot ash clouds from Mount Merapi were visible from Wonokerto Village, Turi, Sleman, DI Yogyakarta on Sunday (12/3/2023).

a number of sub-districts

Meanwhile, in Boyolali, ash rain has struck the districts of Cepogo, Musuk, Tamansari, Boyolali, Mojosongo, Teras, and Sambi. According to the head of BPBD Boyolali Suratno, the volcanic ash rain that fell was considered of moderate intensity.

"Thin and scattered ash rain may still be detected and when using vehicles during ash rain it may seem thick. However, when it rains afterwards, the community's activities are not significantly disrupted," stated Suratno.

Suratno urges the community to remain cautious but not to panic and not to react excessively to the phenomenon. According to him, the situation in Boyolali on Sunday afternoon was quite safe and under control.

"If there is any information change that needs to be conveyed regarding the activity of Merapi, we will follow and take the necessary steps," he added.

Also read: Rain Has the Potential to Trigger Lava Floods and Hot Clouds Falling from Mount Merapi

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Volcanic ash from Mount Merapi covered the area of Stabelan Hamlet in Tlogolele Village, Selo, Boyolali, Central Java, on Monday (13/3/2023).

Meanwhile, Chomsul is urging the public to stay away from high-risk areas, following BPPTKG's recommendations. According to Chomsul, those high-risk areas are located in the south-western sector, covering the Boyong River up to a maximum distance of 5 kilometers, as well as the Bedog, Krasak, and Bebeng Rivers up to a maximum distance of 7 kilometers.

"In the southeast sector covering the Woro River up to a maximum of 3 km and the Gendol River up to 5 km. Volcanic material projections in the event of an explosive eruption can reach a radius of 3 km from the summit," said Chomsul.

Standby Status

Until now, the status of Mount Merapi is still on standby (Level III). This status has been determined by BPPTKG since November 5th, 2020. BPPTKG has also not changed the danger radius of Mount Merapi eruption.

Previously, on Thursday (18/1/2024) and Friday (19/1), Merapi spewed a series of pyroclastic flows 11 times. Specifically, two times on Thursday night and nine times from early morning until dawn on Friday.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

BPBD officials in Boyolali sprayed water to clean up volcanic ash at the SD Negeri 1 Tlogolele complex in Tlogolele Village, Selo, Boyolali, Central Java on Monday (13/3/2023).

Previously, Head of BPPTKG Agus Budi Santoso mentioned that the series of hot clouds and avalanches was an increase in the intensity of the ninth eruption of Mount Merapi since the Alert status on November 5, 2020. For over three years now, it can be said that Mount Merapi has been erupting every day.

However, Agus actually appreciates this. This is because it means that Merapi is releasing its energy gradually or little by little. This is different from the explosive eruption in 2010 when Merapi released a huge amount of energy all at once, causing a catastrophic disaster.

"We are unable to predict when the eruption phase of Merapi will end because the supply of magma from the mountain's innards continues to persist," said Agus.