Activity of the Volcano:
Observed Merapi from a distance of 8 km SW of the volcano, for a total of 24 hours during 19-22nd March. Weather conditions: Mostly overcast but with periods with good clarity. Merapi volcano have seen an increase in rockfall and pyroclastic flows during the first weeks of March. On the 13th March the authorities BPPTKG noted as many as 60 pyroclastic flows. During my observations frequent rockfall from the SW lava dome was observed, often accompanied with sounds of the tumbling material.
According to Indonesian Authorities BPPTKG, as of the 17th March 2023, the 2021 lava dome on the SW flank of Merapi has a volume of 1.686.200 m3, and the lava dome in the central part of the crater of Merapi 2.759.100 m3. During the latest rockfall and pyroclastic activity in March, a decrease of the mass of the SW dome has been measured to be around 1.072.800 m3.
5 km restriction zone is currently in place for Merapi volcano, according to Indonesian Authorities BPPTKG, The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, Geological Agency. The volcano is as of today 23th March 2023 still on alert level III.
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Total videos: not published
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19-22nd March 2023
