Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted violently on Wednesday, spewing a towering ash cloud up to 6,500 metres into the atmosphere. The dramatic explosion has triggered flight cancellations and raised fears of further volcanic activity.
Eruption Disrupts Air Travel
The volcanic ash has forced airlines to reroute flights, with aviation authorities closely monitoring the situation. "We've implemented safety measures to protect aircraft from volcanic ash exposure," said a spokesperson from Indonesia's transport ministry.
Lava Flows Threaten Villages
Authorities have reported pyroclastic flows - fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter - streaming down the volcano's slopes. Emergency teams are on high alert as these deadly flows threaten several villages within Merapi's danger zone.
Evacuation Preparations Underway
Local disaster agencies have begun preparing evacuation plans for residents living within a 7-kilometre radius of the crater. "We're ready to move people to safety if activity intensifies," stated the head of Yogyakarta's disaster mitigation agency.
Indonesia's Volcanic Hotspot
Mount Merapi, located on the densely populated island of Java, last experienced major eruptions in 2010 and 2018. Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," making it prone to frequent volcanic activity and earthquakes.
Scientists from Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that further explosive eruptions remain possible in the coming days.
