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The first volcanic eruption of 2024 painted the night sky with a fiery spectacle at Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. The dramatic event, captured in a long exposure photograph by Agung Supriyanto, took place in the early hours of January 4, 2024.

The image, taken from Tunggul Arum Village in Sleman, Yogyakarta, depicts the ejection of volcanic material, illuminating the darkness with its raw power.



(Another video here)

Mount Merapi's Fierce Awakening

At 02:52 local time, Mount Merapi announced its presence, hurling a column of ash approximately three kilometers into the sky. The eruption was witnessed by the vigilant team of Mitigasi BPBD Sleman, an organization dedicated to disaster mitigation. The volcano's fury was monitored in real-time, providing invaluable data on its behavior and patterns.

Mount Merapi, notorious for its frequent activity, spewed ash as high as 3 km into the sky. The authorities promptly escalated the alert to the second-highest level, imposing a prohibition on residents from venturing within a 3 km radius of the crater. A minor eruption earlier in the week had already necessitated a temporary suspension of search activities, underscoring the safety concerns inherent to the region.

Indonesia's Ring of Fire

Indonesia, home to nearly 130 active volcanoes, is a hotspot for volcanic and seismic activity, courtesy of its position on the Pacific's 'Ring of Fire'. Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes on the Sumatran island, is under continuous surveillance, reflecting the country's commitment to monitoring and disaster mitigation.

The recent eruption's ash rain reached as far as West Sumatra's third-largest city, underscoring the far-reaching impact of such geological events. The power of Mount Merapi isn't merely confined to its vicinity but can influence a significantly wider area.

Human Cost and Continuous Vigilance

The eruption's consequences weren't limited to geological spectacle. Eleven climbers were reported dead, with three survivors found in the aftermath. The human cost of these natural phenomena is a stark reminder of the potential risks that these awe-inspiring spectacles can pose to nearby communities.

The constant vigilance and mitigation efforts of organizations like Mitigasi BPBD Sleman play a crucial role in managing such risks. Their work, combined with the commitment of local communities and authorities, continues to ensure the safety and resilience of the regions most affected by Indonesia's vibrant, yet formidable, geological character.