In March 2023, Indonesia’s Mount Merapi, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted with avalanches of lava and hot clouds. The eruption resulted in the evacuation of thousands of people from the surrounding areas.

Mount Merapi, located on the island of Java, has erupted several times in recent years, with the most recent eruption occurring in 2018. The volcano is closely monitored by Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, and authorities had warned of the possibility of an eruption prior to the recent activity.

The eruption on March 2023 sent plumes of ash and smoke high into the sky, with lava flowing down the slopes of the volcano. Hot clouds, which are a mix of gas, ash, and rock, also cascaded down the mountain, adding to the danger for those in the surrounding areas.

Local authorities were quick to respond to the eruption, issuing evacuation orders and setting up shelters for those displaced by the eruption. The Indonesian military was also deployed to assist with the evacuation efforts.

The eruption of Mount Merapi serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by volcanoes around the world. Volcanoes are a natural phenomenon, but their eruptions can have significant and sometimes devastating impacts on nearby communities.

Indonesia is home to more than 130 active volcanoes, making it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. While the recent eruption of Mount Merapi was not unexpected, it is a sobering reminder of the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness in areas where volcanoes pose a risk.

As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, it is important that we do not forget the ongoing threats posed by natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions. The recent eruption of Mount Merapi is a reminder of the need to remain vigilant and prepared in the face of these ongoing risks.