Indonesia: Mount Merapi Volcano - Nov 1994

UNDP/DHA resident representative in Jakarta reports that Mt. Merapi (2968 m), a volcano situated on island of Java, erupted on 22 Nov, at 10.15 hrs local time. A pyroclastic flow containing hot ash, gas and other particles in suspension flowed six kilometres down along the river Boyong in Turgo village, subdistrict of Pakem, Yogyakarta province. Twenty-four (24) people were killed and 95 severely injured. 25 of 40 public works workers who were building a water treatment facility still missing, while 15 were found dead. 6,026 people from the neighbouring villages in the subdistrict of Pakem were evacuated. (UN DHA, 23 Nov 1994)

Latest reports indicate 37 dead and 85 severely injured (46 critically). 15 houses totally destroyed, 25 severely damaged. 6,000 people evacuated. However, due to heat from pyroclastic flow, local authorities have not yet been able to thoroughly assess casualties/damage. (UN DHA, 29 Nov 1994)

50 dead, 26 still in critical condition. 20 missing and search for them continues. Indonesian medical teams, assisted by Japanese plastic surgeons, undertaking urgent life-saving plastic surgery for victims with severe burns. No more pyroclastic flows observed since 23 Nov. However, lava still flowing 1.5 kms down river Boyong. Geochemical analysis indicates increased emissions of sulfur dioxide up to 44 tons a day, indicating possible further eruptions. (UN DHA, 30 Nov 1994)

58 dead. Indonesian and Japanese medical teams jointly conducting life-saving surgery on 22 critically injured victims. Also, who plastic surgery advisor arrived in Yogyakarta. Continuing small eruptions are causing lava flows up to 1.5 km down river Boyong. Pyroclastic flow has damaged a spring water source, which supplies clean water to Kallurang resort town (next to village of Turgo). One million cubic meters of pyroclastic sediment now condensing along river Boyong, while another 12 million cubic meters is still loose around crater. (UN DHA, 7 Dec 1994)