Strong eruption, large pyroclastic flow at Mount Merapi, Indonesia

A total of 19 lava flows were detected on Mount Merapi, Indonesia on July 20, 2024. The maximum glide distance of the lava flows was 1.7 km (1 mile), accompanied by pyroclastic flows with a sliding distance of 1.2 km (3 900 feet).

Mount Merapi in Tunggul Arum, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, exhibited significant volcanic activity on July 20, according to a report by the Center for Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development (BPPTKG). The volcano released 19 lava flows with a maximum glide distance of 1.7 km (1.06 miles).

BPPTKG observed weakly pressurized crater smoke, white in color, with moderate intensity and a height ranging from 10 to 20 m (33 to 66 feet) above the crater.

A video recorded by BPPTKG on July 20, at 19:46 local time captured the pyroclastic flow of the mountain. BPPTKG mentioned a maximum amplitude of 35 mm (1.38 inches) and a duration of 119 seconds, with the PDC sliding 1.2 km (3 900 feet) towards Kali Bebeng. The wind direction was towards the southwest.

 The Alert Level remains at 3 (on a scale of 1 – 4), and the public is warned to stay 3 – 7 km (1.8 – 4.3 miles) away from the summit, based on location.

Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, is situated in a densely populated area north of Yogyakarta (population 423 000). It is the youngest in a volcanic chain extending to Ungaran volcano.

The volcano’s history is marked by deadly eruptions, including a significant event in 2010 that resulted in the deaths of 347 people and displaced about 20 000 villagers.

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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