Disaster management authorities have issued a warning to tourists and locals to stay outside a two-mile radius zone around the peak of the lava-spewing volcano. Hanik Humaida, the head of the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Centre, said: “There has been an increase in Merapi’s volcanic activity from mid-December 2019 to mid-January this year, both under and on the ground. Similar eruptions can still happen in the future as an indicator that the magma chamber is still supplying magma.”
Dangers surrounding the volcano eruption involve the collapse of a lava dome, which would cause terrifying slides of pyroclastic rocks and other volcanic materials, lava floods and heavy downpours, resulting in toxic chemicals being emitted into the air and breathed in.
Social media users shared images of the stunning sight on Twitter.
One shared a picture of the giant smoke cloud piercing the morning sunrise.
It had the caption: “Mount Merapi this morning and now is improving. #merapimeletus.”
Another shared a video of bubbling lava coming out of the volcano with the caption: “Mount Merapi in Jogjakarta, Indonesia erupted again this morning #merapivolcano #Merapi #eruption #volcano.”
Another, referring to the locals at the foot of the volcano, said: “The majestic Merapi strikes again. Hope they’re okay. #merapi.”
A fourth posted another picture of the rising ash cloud and said simply: “Beautiful but scary.”
The commenter added a sad emoji after the post.
The eruption happened at 5.15am local time.
Marapi is an active volcano located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta in Indonesia.
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Indonesia is home to several volcanos including the infamous Krakatoa.
There are in total 120 active volcanos in Indonesia, which also sees some of the worst earthquakes in the world on a regular basis making it one of the more volatile areas to live.
Earthquakes are put down to Indonesia location on the so-called Ring of Fire, a direct result of plate tectonics where movements trigger shock tremors.