Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, emitted incandescent lava five times during the early hours of Saturday, with the glowing material flowing up to 1.9 kilometers down the Krasak River on the volcano's western flank, according to Indonesian volcanological authorities.

The volcanic activity was observed from the summit of the 2,968-meter-high mountain, which straddles the border between Indonesia's Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java. The latest lava avalanches are part of Merapi's ongoing effusive eruption, characterized by repeated collapses of its active lava dome. Authorities said the volcano remains at Alert Level III (Standby) on Indonesia's four-tier volcanic warning system.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that Merapi continues to exhibit elevated volcanic activity, with seismic monitoring indicating ongoing magma supply beneath the volcano. Similar lava avalanches and occasional pyroclastic flows have been recorded in recent weeks, particularly along the Krasak, Boyong, and Sat/Putih river channels.

Authorities have urged residents, tourists, and climbers to stay out of designated danger zones extending 3 to 7 kilometers from the summit, depending on the sector. Officials also warned communities living near river valleys originating from Merapi to remain vigilant for potential lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, and volcanic mudflows (lahars), especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

No casualties, injuries, or damage to nearby settlements were immediately reported following Saturday's volcanic activity. Local disaster management agencies continue to closely monitor the volcano and have advised residents to follow official updates and evacuation instructions should activity intensify.

Mount Merapi, located approximately 30 kilometers north of Yogyakarta, is among the world's most closely monitored volcanoes due to its frequent eruptions and the dense population living on its slopes. The volcano has remained at Alert Level III since 2020, reflecting sustained volcanic unrest and the continued growth and collapse of its summit lava dome. (ILKHA)