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Indonesia’s volatile Mount Merapi has entered a dangerous new phase of activity, sending fresh waves of hot ash and molten rock down its slopes.
In the early hours of Saturday, a glowing river of lava began snaking its way along the border between Yogyakarta and Central Java.
The majestic but menacing peak stands at an elevation of 2,968 meters above sea level, dominating the surrounding regional landscape.
Monitoring stations recorded incandescent lava spewing forcefully from the active crater at least five distinct times during the latest eruption.
Searing volcanic material rushed down the mountain's flanks, stretching across distances of up to 1.9 kilometers (1.18 miles) toward the nearby Krasak River.
Local authorities have strictly maintained the volcano's status at Alert Level III due to the unpredictable and highly dangerous conditions.
Plumes of thick, dark ash billowed high into the sky, threatening local air quality and depositing layers of debris on surrounding villages.
Communities living along the volcanic rivers remain on high alert as geological agencies closely track the direction of the fiery flows.
Exclusion zones are being heavily enforced around the perimeter to ensure residents and travelers stay clear of the active hazard paths.
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