The Merapi volcano, which is located on the Indonesian island of Java, erupted on March 10, shooting hot gas and ash into the sky. The eruption was captured on camera and rapidly disseminated on social media.
The eruption started at roughly 2:00 am local time and lasted approximately seven minutes. According to the Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency, there were no injuries or damage to adjacent cities and villages as a result of the eruption.
Officials have cautioned villagers and tourists to avoid going too close to the erupting volcano despite the lack of imminent risk. The ash clouds can create breathing difficulties, and the hot gases can be fatal.
Since 1548, the Merapi volcano has been one of the most active and dangerous in Indonesia, constantly erupting. The most recent significant eruption occurred in 2010, killing over 300 people and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate.
Indonesia is situated on the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” a region of active volcanoes and tectonic plate boundaries. Frequent seismic activity makes the country susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The Indonesian government has established a robust early warning system to monitor volcanic activity and notify residents of impending eruptions. Despite these attempts, the unpredictability of volcanic explosions continues to pose a substantial threat to Indonesian citizens.