Volcanic ash covers the post office in Mount Merapi, Indonesia.

The volcano, located in Indonesia’s Yogyakarta special region, was already on the country's second-highest alert level.

In his official statement, the Head of the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG), Agus Budi Santoso, said:

"At this time, the eruption is still ongoing. People are advised to stay away from the danger zone".

The Research and Development Center for Geological Disaster Technology (BPPTKG) asked the public to stay away from the danger zone within a 7-kilometer radius of the peak of the stratovolcano.

Tourism and mining activities have been halted.

The pyroclastic flow of Mount Merapi has caused volcanic ash to drift towards the northwest. Based on reports from the Mount Merapi Observation Post in Babadan, the pyroclastic flow has also triggered volcanic ash to drift towards the northwest-north.

Yulianto, a Babadan Post official, stated over the phone that the Babadan Post has started to be significantly affected by the volcanic ash.

"If the pyroclastic flow heads towards the Southwest, it will affect Kali Bebeng and Krasak. But if the volcanic ash drifts towards the northwest-north, it's due to the wind factor," explained Yulianto.

"As for the Babadan Post, it's already been affected by the pyroclastic flow. The ash is quite thick," added Yulianto.

Furthermore, Yulianto has received reports that several locations have also been affected by the volcanic ash. These locations include Mangunsuko Village, Dukun Village, Paten Village, and Sengi Village in Dukun District, Magelang Regency. Additionally, Wonolelo Village and Krogowanan Village in Magelang Regency, and Klakah Village and Tlogolele Village in Selo District, Boyolali Regency.

Regarding evacuations, Yulianto has not received any reports of residents evacuating from the affected areas. Yulianto explained that he and the BPPTKG would provide recommendations to the local residents to evacuate if the coverage of the pyroclastic flow and volcanic ash expands during several events and if the distance is further than 7 kilometers.

"This is only the first observed event. There have been 5-6 eruptions. If the coverage continues to expand and the distance is further than 7 kilometers, there is a high chance that we will recommend residents to evacuate," said Yulianto.

According to the field monitoring results from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Sleman Regency, Magelang Regency, Boyolali Regency, and Klaten Regency, there have been no reports of significant impacts or casualties. The situation and conditions are still under control. Further reports and monitoring will be updated periodically.