Jakarta Globe, Dessy Sagita, Candra Malik & Amir Tejo | November 05, 2010
Jakarta. After erupting and spewing heat clouds continuously since Wednesday morning, Mount Merapi unleashed its most extreme volcanic activity yet on Thursday.
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| Mount Merapi on Thursday unleashed its biggest eruption since the 1870s, according to the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency. The eruption launched volcanic material more than seven kilometers into the atmosphere. Merapi’s newfound restlessness has been ominously mirrored by four other volcanoes. (AFP Photo/Clara Prima) |
The eruption, which threw volcanic material more than seven kilometers into the atmosphere, was five times stronger than the initial eruption on Oct. 26 that killed 36 people.
Merapi has erupted almost daily for 10 days, and the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency (PVMBG) is calling Thursday’s the worst since 1872.
Surono, head of the agency, said the danger zone had been extended by five kilometers to 20km from the crater.
Meanwhile, worries are growing over two other volcanoes that are showing increased activity.
Mount Semeru in Lumajang, East Java, has been almost continuously active since 1967 and on Thursday morning it spewed smoke 100 meters into the air. In Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, authorities have warned of increased activity at Mount Egon.
“Since Wednesday the mountain has been shrouded in a thick cloud emanating from the crater,” said Suryanto, head of the Egon observation post.
Two other mountains in East Nusa Tenggara — Rokatenda and Lewotobi — are also reported to be exhibiting increased activity.
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