Mt. Merapi Eruption
Nov 5th, 2010, 07:39 PM
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Mt. Merapi Eruption
Mt. Merapi in Central Java near Yogyakarta and Borobudur continues to erupt, killing 122 people, injuring hundreds of others and devastating whole villages. At this point over 130,000 people are displaced. Since Central Java is one of the most densely populated areas on the planet there is simply no place for refuges.
The impact of a Pinatubu scale eruption is unthinkable. How many people live within a 100 miles of Merapi? 25 million perhaps?
Anyone who’s planning to visit Central Java in the next few weeks, should reconsider. Thus far, the larger cities -- Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang -- have not been directly affected though volcanic ash is everywhere. Aside from sporatic cancellations the airports are mostly functioning. But what will happen next only Merapi knows.
Updated first hand accounts from travelers in the area would be appreciated.
The impact of a Pinatubu scale eruption is unthinkable. How many people live within a 100 miles of Merapi? 25 million perhaps?
Anyone who’s planning to visit Central Java in the next few weeks, should reconsider. Thus far, the larger cities -- Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang -- have not been directly affected though volcanic ash is everywhere. Aside from sporatic cancellations the airports are mostly functioning. But what will happen next only Merapi knows.
Updated first hand accounts from travelers in the area would be appreciated.
Nov 6th, 2010, 08:25 AM
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Marmot,
Thank you for this update from your (invaluable) point of view. My husband left Jakarta a day or so before the eruption so he cannot advance this discussion. His assistant was in northern Sumatra at the time and reports that his travels within Indonesia and then out of the country were (fortunately for him) unaffected. I hope that by moving this topic to the top, we can catch the eye of someone with on-the-ground experience to share.
Thank you for this update from your (invaluable) point of view. My husband left Jakarta a day or so before the eruption so he cannot advance this discussion. His assistant was in northern Sumatra at the time and reports that his travels within Indonesia and then out of the country were (fortunately for him) unaffected. I hope that by moving this topic to the top, we can catch the eye of someone with on-the-ground experience to share.
Nov 6th, 2010, 09:30 AM
#3
Remember the impact of the Iceland volcano on air travel? See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11704165
Nov 6th, 2010, 10:34 AM
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Just read flights from jakarta were cancelled for today. Damage to planes as far as Jakarta airport, unfortunately. I have 2 friends in Jokja and right near Bobudodur that air well but sufferring undewr the sulpher odor thoughout their homes. Sad.
Nov 6th, 2010, 03:08 PM
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glover; The many folks I met were very industious. If Friday's eruption of Merapi is it's last big one though volcanos like earthquakes have minor spews after the locals with be fully back in operation in less thabn 3 months for sure. If you want a guide who is very wired in, though a bit expensive, a fellow and his partner Rachmad are terrific. [email protected]
Nov 7th, 2010, 01:44 AM
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I have received the following response to my email to Weidy
who lives near Borobudur (runs Borobudur Tour and Travel).
"Yes, thank you so very much for this email.
And thank you for the recommendation.
This is to inform you that all of our team here including the families are fine. Rohmad is now full time with Amanjiwo and is still with our team in Borobudur tour and travel.
The eruption of Merapi is the worse during 100 years.
Mostly are in serious damage.
Trees, road, houses, temples are covered with ash.
In the radius of less than 20 KM from the top of Merapi, the dangerous of sulphur smell as well as more than 1.000 c degree are the two that we cannot avoid. More victims are found there.
We are living in around 35 KM from the top. So we are OK but infrastructure is terrible.
Government has taken care this very seriously.
Our president, SBY, also stay here in Jogja in his other office at Gedung Agung.
So we feel safe and OK and the president is here.
We assume we will take more than 2 or 3 months to make situation become normal.
Vegetables will be quite difficult while traditional markets are in serious damage.
Other is the road that full of ash that we have to clean to make driving safe.
Airport, solo and Jogja, are already 3 days close. Hopefully will be soon open.
Again, we thank you very much."
Best regards,
Wiedy Antara
Admin
Borobudur Tour and Travel
Mobile phone + 61 817 941 6567
who lives near Borobudur (runs Borobudur Tour and Travel).
"Yes, thank you so very much for this email.
And thank you for the recommendation.
This is to inform you that all of our team here including the families are fine. Rohmad is now full time with Amanjiwo and is still with our team in Borobudur tour and travel.
The eruption of Merapi is the worse during 100 years.
Mostly are in serious damage.
Trees, road, houses, temples are covered with ash.
In the radius of less than 20 KM from the top of Merapi, the dangerous of sulphur smell as well as more than 1.000 c degree are the two that we cannot avoid. More victims are found there.
We are living in around 35 KM from the top. So we are OK but infrastructure is terrible.
Government has taken care this very seriously.
Our president, SBY, also stay here in Jogja in his other office at Gedung Agung.
So we feel safe and OK and the president is here.
We assume we will take more than 2 or 3 months to make situation become normal.
Vegetables will be quite difficult while traditional markets are in serious damage.
Other is the road that full of ash that we have to clean to make driving safe.
Airport, solo and Jogja, are already 3 days close. Hopefully will be soon open.
Again, we thank you very much."
Best regards,
Wiedy Antara
Admin
Borobudur Tour and Travel
Mobile phone + 61 817 941 6567
Nov 7th, 2010, 01:12 AM
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On Sunday most airlines resumed flights in and out of Jakarta but some remain cancelled. The Central Java airports are more often closed than open, but, again, there doesn’t seem to be a clear or consistent policy.
Travel information on the ground in Yogya, Solo and Borobudur is also hard to come by. I understand that Borobudur is closed, but Prambanan is still open. Heavy ash everywhere.
Because there are no big cities in the area, it’s not widely understood how densely populated Central Java is: Imagine a volcanic eruption in New York’s Central Park.
As of today there are some 200,000 displaced persons. This is an enormous humanitarian crisis. Aside from those who have been injured – burns, respiratory and skin problems – just dealing with refugees on this scale is overwhelming, and unlike a finite event like a hurricane or earthquake, no one knows when and if it will be safe to go home. Merapi is a sacred mountain and the surrounding area is to many the heart Indonesia, therefore the significance of this disaster is profound.
So, what do you think? Will President Obama carry on with his visit to Indonesia or will it be cancelled? Tough decision after two previous no-gos but I would think that President SBY has a lot on his mind right now.
Travel information on the ground in Yogya, Solo and Borobudur is also hard to come by. I understand that Borobudur is closed, but Prambanan is still open. Heavy ash everywhere.
Because there are no big cities in the area, it’s not widely understood how densely populated Central Java is: Imagine a volcanic eruption in New York’s Central Park.
As of today there are some 200,000 displaced persons. This is an enormous humanitarian crisis. Aside from those who have been injured – burns, respiratory and skin problems – just dealing with refugees on this scale is overwhelming, and unlike a finite event like a hurricane or earthquake, no one knows when and if it will be safe to go home. Merapi is a sacred mountain and the surrounding area is to many the heart Indonesia, therefore the significance of this disaster is profound.
So, what do you think? Will President Obama carry on with his visit to Indonesia or will it be cancelled? Tough decision after two previous no-gos but I would think that President SBY has a lot on his mind right now.
Nov 7th, 2010, 01:26 AM
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For anyone who is moved to help the wonderful people
in Indonesia who have been affected not only by the
eruption of Merapi but earthquakes and tsunami,
please consider fine organizations such as Americares.
We fondly remember the wonderful people and friends we made
on our trip to Indonesia in 2006, especially those living in
the Borobudur area. It was a comfort to hear that they are safe.
http://www.americares.org/wherewework/asia/indonesia/
in Indonesia who have been affected not only by the
eruption of Merapi but earthquakes and tsunami,
please consider fine organizations such as Americares.
We fondly remember the wonderful people and friends we made
on our trip to Indonesia in 2006, especially those living in
the Borobudur area. It was a comfort to hear that they are safe.
http://www.americares.org/wherewework/asia/indonesia/
Nov 7th, 2010, 01:44 AM
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Marmot, I think BO should visit especially b/c of the significance of this event. Probably unlikely that he would travel to the
Yogya area though if President SBY remains in his office in
Central Java which is likely.
Yogya area though if President SBY remains in his office in
Central Java which is likely.
