On 3rd April 2024, at 6:26 AM, several areas in Magelang experienced ash rain due to the descent of hot clouds from Mount Merapi, located on the border of Central Java Province and the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The hot clouds occurred in the morning, with a maximum amplitude of 48 mm, a duration of 171.32 seconds, and an estimated maximum sliding distance of 1,700 meters to the southwest.
The Mount Merapi Monitoring Officer at the Babadan Post, Yulianto, reported that particularly in the Dukun and Sawangan Districts in Magelang, were the most affected area by the ash rain. Residents are advised to evacuate immediately from the slopes of Mount Merapi.
INFO BPPTKG: Teramati Awan Panas Guguran di Gunung #Merapi tanggal 3 April 2024 pada pukul 06.26 WIB dengan Amplitudo max 48 mm. Durasi 171.32 detik, jarak luncur maksimal 1700 meter ke Barat Daya, arah angin ke Barat. Visual Gunung Merapi cerah. pic.twitter.com/om5EbXJor9
— BPPTKG (@BPPTKG) April 3, 2024
Currently, Mount Merapi is classified at Level III (alert), indicating potential dangers such as lava avalanches and hot clouds primarily in the south-southwest sector, covering areas including the Boyong River for up to five kilometres, the Bedog River, Krasak, and Bebeng for a maximum of seven kilometres.
Since 9th January 2024, the Indonesian Volcanological Survey has maintained Mount Merapi at Level III (Alert). Throughout 2024, a total of 623 hot cloud avalanches have been documented by the Indonesian Volcanological Survey.
According to December 2023 data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, 3 volcanoes in Indonesia are currently on alert status, while 18 volcanoes remain at an elevated alert level. Additionally, 47 active volcanoes are currently classified as normal or showing no volcanic activity. Given the fluctuating and unpredictable nature of Mount Merapi’s activity, the locals are advised to stay updated on the latest developments.
