TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta - Five areas in Sleman regency, Yogyakarta, experienced ash rain after Mount Merapi erupted today afternoon, August 6, 2021. Based on reports from residents, the ash rain was at a mild intensity.

“It occurs in Sleman regency, namely Turi, Tempel, Kaliurang, Ngrangkah, and around Balerante street,” said the Yogyakarta Research and Technological Development for Geological Disaster Agency (BPPTKG) head, Hanik Humaida.

The agency recorded a quite intense eruption this Friday. The first wave occurred at 11:22 Western Indonesian Time (WIB) and 11:24 WIB. There were two hot clouds avalanches with a sliding distance of 1,500-2,000 meters to the southwest. Based on the BPPTKG seismograph, the amplitude was recorded at 45 and 50 millimeters for 118 seconds and 177 seconds.

The hot cloud avalanche occurred again at 11:37 WIB with a sliding distance of one kilometer to the southwest for 88 seconds. Based on the observation period from 06:00-12:00 WIB, the BPPTKG also recorded nine lava avalanches with a maximum sliding distance of 1,500 meters to the southwest and two avalanches were heard from the Babadan Post.

“Until now, the status of Mount Merapi is still on Alert Level III or Siaga (watch),” said Hanik.

Read: Mount Merapi Ejects Hot Clouds Avalanches Flowing 1,400 Meters

PRIBADI WICAKSONO (CONTRIBUTOR)