Merapi Volcano

Updated: Apr 30, 2025 21:34 GMT - refresh

Stratovolcano

Central Java, Indonesia, -7.54°S / 110.44°E

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Summit height: 2968 m / 9,737 ft

Current status: erupting (4 out of 5)

Last update: 23 Apr 2025 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)

Glowing avalanches of hot rocks from the new lava dome (2006 eruption).

Merapi, a steep stratovolcano north of Central Java's capital Yogyakarta, is Indonesia's most active volcano. It erupts on average every 5-10 years and is feared for its deadly pyroclastic flows - avalanches of hot rocks and gas that are generated when parts of new lava domes constructed during eruptions in the summit crater collapse and slide down the mountain's steep flanks.
The name "Merapi" from old Javanese language means "the one making fire" is a popular name for volcanoes: another volcano with the same name Merapi is in the Ijen Massif in East Java and similarly called volcano "Marapi" lies on Sumatra Island.

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Typical eruption style: Highly explosive. Large Plinian eruption every few 1000 of years (the last ones at about 1000 BP and 2000 BP), sometimes with associated flank collapse. Growth of lava domes, pyroclastic flows.
Merapi volcano eruptions: 1548, 1554, 1560, 1584, 1586(?), 1587, 1658, 1663, 1672, 1678, 1745, 1752, 1755, 1768, 1791, 1797, 1807, 1810, 1812-22, 1822-23, 1828, 1832-36, 1837-38, 1840, 1846, 1848(?), 1849, 1854(?), 1861, 1862-64, 1865-71, 1872 (large vulcanian-subplinian eruption VEI:4) , 1872-73, 1878-79, 1883-84, 1885-87, 1888, 1889, 1891-92, 1893, 1894, 1897, 1902, 1902-04, 1905, 1906-07, 1908, 1909-13, 1915, 1918, 1920-21, 1922, 1923(?), 1924, 1930-31, 1932, 1933-35, 1939-40, 1942-45, 1948, 1953-58, 1961, 1967-1970, 1971(?), 1972-85, 1986-90, 1992-2002, April-July 2006, Oct 2010-2011 Feb, 2018 (May), late 2018 - 2020, Dec 2020 - ongoing

Latest nearby earthquakes

Date and Time	Mag / Depth	Distance / Location

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Background

Merapi dominates the landscape immediately north of the city of Yogyakarta in one of the world's most densely populated areas. Merapi is the youngest and southernmost of a volcanic chain extending NNW to Ungaran volcano. The steep-sided modern Merapi edifice, its upper part unvegetated due to frequent eruptive activity, was constructed to the SW of an arcuate scarp cutting the eroded older Batulawang volcano.
Pyroclastic flows and lahars accompanying growth and collapse of the steep-sided active summit lava dome have devastated cultivated lands on the volcano's western-to-southern flanks and caused many fatalities during historical time.
Since 1953, activity has been characterized by extrusion of lava into the summit crater, with periodic lava dome collapse and nuée ardente formation. Summit lava dome growth has continued since the 1969 gas explosion. It is monitored from the Merapi Volcano Observatory (MVO) in Yogyakarta.

Merapi Volcano Photos

Mt Merapi (Central Java, Indonesia) in eruption with the ash column illuminated at sunrise (Nov 2010) (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Merapi seen from the SE side on May 21. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Merapi volcano, Central Java, Indonesia (Photo: Roland Gerth)

The eruption of Merapi seen from Tunggularum (24 May 2006).
(Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

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Significant volcanic eruptions: Merapi volcano

In the past 10,000 years, Merapi has had at least 106 confirmed volcanic eruptions, out of which 75 are documented by historical records, while the others can be inferred from geological evidence.
Additionally, there are 7 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Merapi volcano.

The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Merapi volcano since around 1900. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Merapi can be found on the news page of Merapi volcano.

Date	Note	VEI	Deaths	Damage
2020 Dec 31 - ongoing	Historical obs./docs.	1
2018 May 11 - 2020 Jun 21	Historical obs./docs.	3
2017 Dec 18 (eruptive episode 2017 Dec 18)	Historical obs./docs.	0	8		Info
2017 Dec 18: A landslide on the slopes of Indonesias Mount Merapi volcano on Java island on Monday killed at least eight people mining sand and stones and injured eight, the countrys disaster mitigation agency said. The miners had been digging out sand and stones from a steep cliff when they were engulfed, Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in a statement. "There could be more miners buried by the landslide, but its unclear because the number working at the mine is also unclear," said Nugroho, noting that despite previous landslides in the area the practice had persisted. (all above from reference #11971) Note: No eruption. Cited references #11971 Reuters (2017): Landslide kills at least 8 Indonesian miners on slope of volcano. 18 December 2017. Updated at 3:48am. https://www.reuters.com/article/indonesia-mining-landslide/landslide-kills-at-least-8-indonesian-miners-on-slope-of-volcano-idUSL4N1OI3OC Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2014 Mar 9 - Apr 20	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	3
2013 Nov 18	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	3
2013 Jul 22	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2013 Feb 12 (eruptive episode 2013 Feb 12)	Historical obs./docs.	0	1	light	Info
2013 Feb 12: One of Indonesias most dangerous volcanoes is posing a new threat, this time due to the tons of volcanic debris left over from a series of deadly eruptions in 2010. Heavy rains in recent days have mixed with tons of volcanic debris that spewed from central Javas Mount Merapi several years ago, creating huge mudflows along a number of the mountains rivers. On Tuesday, one flow hit a group of sand miners on the banks of the Gendol River, killing one person, injuring another and sweeping away several trucks... "The danger on Merapi right now is only related to rain [mixing with] all the material that erupted in 2010," Agus Hendratno, a geologist and lecturer at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, told The Wall Street Journal on Friday. "An early warning system was developed for the threat of mudflows, but sand miners often pay little heed to the warning." Hundreds of laborers work along the mountains rivers each day to gather sand for cement production. Many excavate by hand... The governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, warned people to stay away from Merapis rivers after the death this week. "Theres no more forest on the upper parts of the mountain," he told local media. "Mudflows and boulders can roll down like theyre on a highway." (reference #10464) Cited references #10464 Otto, Ben, The Wallstreet Journal (2013): Mudflows From Indonesian Volcano Pose Threats. Published February 16, 2013, 12:58 AM. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2011 Mar 25 - Sep 8	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	1
2011 Jan 3 (eruption 2011 Mar 25 - Sep 8)	Historical obs./docs.	0	1	light	Info
2011 Jan 3: Weekly Report 5 January-11 January 2011: According to a news article, lahars on Merapi's flanks that occurred on 3 and 9 January caused damage to houses, farms, and infrastructure in multiple villages in the Magelang district, 26 km WNW of Merapi. One death and one injury were reported. On 9 January, the Red Cross evacuated people trapped in their homes in the Sirihan village. An estimated 3,000 people live in the flooded area, but the number of people evacuated was unknown. Weekly Report 19 January-25 January 2011: CVGHM reported that the Alert Level for Merapi was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 9 January. During 10-16 January seismicity had decreased compared to the previous week. Gas plumes rose from the crater; on 11 January gas plumes rose to a maximum height of 80 m above the crater. On 12 January avalanches descended the Krasak drainage, traveling 1.5 km SW. Lahars and high water during 15-23 January damaged infrastructure and caused temporary road closures. On 22 January plumes rose 175 m above the crater and drifted E. (above from reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2010 Oct 26 - Nov 29	Summit crater Historical obs./docs.	4
2010 Oct 26 (eruption 2010 Oct 26 - Nov 29)	Historical obs./docs.	0	367	very heavy	Info
2010 Oct 26: Indonesia's most active volcano, Mount Merapi, has killed over 320 people in a series of eruptions that started on October 26. The first phase of the eruption occurred on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 17:00 killing at least 36 people. The eruption was characterized by explosions along with pyroclastic flows that traveled WSW and SE. CVGHM reported that multiple pyroclastic flows occurred until 1854, when the pyroclastic flow activity started to subside. Most of the pyroclastic flows lasted 2 to 9 minutes, except for two that lasted 33 minutes each. The eruption was preceded by an increase in volcanic earthquakes and authorities had been encouraging evacuations, but many remained. The deaths included a 2 month old baby and the volcano's spiritual leader. Between Thursday, November 4 and Friday, Nov 5 the volcano erupted killing over 280 people. Dozens are being treated for burns and respiratory problems after a gas cloud hit villages with even greater force than the previous eruptions. Over 300,000 people have been evacuated from the area. As many as 427 victims of the eruption were still treated at hospitals. The eruption has directly affected the rural area and claimed 367 human fatalities, 277 injured, 410,388 evacuated as well as the damaged of infrastructures, houses, live stocks and agriculture areas. The volcanic ash spewed few kilometers above the summit and wind blows the ash endangered the cities and aviation. During the peak of crisis the Airport of Yogyakarta was closed. (reference #11801) Loss is estimated at over 600 million US dollars. A large portion of the loss is related to forest devastation which consisted of 1.12 million ruined trees in 2,800 hectares of forest areas, loses in tourism, and damage to fruit plantations. (reference #9136) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #8955 Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, Geological Agency Indonesia (2010): http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/ #8956 CNN Wire Staff (2010): Indonesia volcano erupts repeatedly. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/10/29/indonesia.volcano/ #9015 BBC News (2010): Dozens die in new Mount Merapi eruption in Indonesia. BBC News Article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11699945 #9017 DiLorenzo, Sarah Associated Press (2010): Indonesia volcano burns whole villages; 122 dead. Associated Press #9018 National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Indonesia (2010): Merapi Eruption Victim Dies Reached 122 People. Indonesian to English translation. National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Indonesia http://bnpb.go.id #9136 Hanifah, Abu (2010): Volcano eruption affects Indonesia's environment, tourism. Xihnua News. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-11/30/c_13628871.htm #11801 Hidayati, Sri, Surono and Subandriyo (2011): A year after the 2010 Merapi eruption: volcano hazard and Indonesian government mitigation measures. Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM), Indonesia. MiaVita. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
?? 2008 May 19	Uncertain Eruption	?
2006 Mar 16 ±15 d. - 2007 Aug 9 ?	Historical obs./docs.	1
2006 Jun 14 (eruption 2006 Mar 16 ±15 d. - 2007 Aug 9 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	1	2		Info
2006 Jun 14: On 14 June, a dome-collapse event, lasting approximately 3.5 hours, produced pyroclastic flows that reached a maximum distance of 7 km SE along the Gendol River. Two people assisting with evacuation efforts were trapped an underground shelter in Kaliadem village and died, the first fatalities of the current eruption. Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1992 Jan 20 - 2002 Oct 19 ?	NW of 1984 lava dome Historical obs./docs.	2
2001 Aug 5 (eruption 1992 Jan 20 - 2002 Oct 19 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	2	2		Info
2001 Aug 5: Unconfirmed reports from volcano guides encountered at Babadan Observatory stated that two tourists were killed by dome collapse phenomena in early August after walking into the S-f1ank danger zone. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2000 Nov (eruption 1992 Jan 20 - 2002 Oct 19 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	2	1		Info
2000 Nov: High rainfall during the second week in November caused a landslide at the source of the Boyong River near Kaliurang, causing one death. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1997 Jan 14 (eruption 1992 Jan 20 - 2002 Oct 19 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	2	6		Info
1997 Jan 14: Six persons missing, several injured. Wilham lists 1-6 fatalities and a date of November 17. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1994 Nov 22 (eruptive episode 1994 Nov 22)	Historical obs./docs.	3	60		Info
1994 Nov 22: 60 villagers killed in eruption. Source: Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database
1986 Oct 10 - 1990 Aug 16 ±15 d.	Historical obs./docs.	2
1986 Oct 15 (eruption 1986 Oct 10 - 1990 Aug 16 ±15 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	2	1		Info
1986 Oct 15: Driver of stalled truck swept away by rain-induced lahar. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1972 Oct 6 - 1985 Mar 16 ±15 d.	Historical obs./docs.	2
1976 Nov 25 (eruption 1972 Oct 6 - 1985 Mar 16 ±15 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	2	29		Info
1976 Nov 25: There were 29 fatalities from lahars in the Krasak valley on the SW flank; 306 houses were damaged. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1974 Oct 22 (eruption 1972 Oct 6 - 1985 Mar 16 ±15 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	2	9	moderate	Info
1974 Oct 22: There were 9 fatalities from lahars; 6 houses were damaged. (reference #9675) Cited references #9 Abe, Kuniaki, and Masami Okada (1995): Source model of the Noto-Hanto-Oki earthquake tsunami of 7 February 1993. In Tsunamis: 1992-1994, Kenji Satake and Fumihiko Imamura, eds., Pure Appl. Geophys., vol. 144, no. 3-4, p. 621-631. DOI:10.1007/BF00874386 Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
?? 1971 Jan 16 ±15 d. - Jul 26	Uncertain Eruption	1?
1967 Jan 12 - 1970 ?	Upper Batang breach (2600 m) Historical obs./docs.	2
1969 Jan 7 (eruption 1967 Jan 12 - 1970 ?)	Historical obs./docs.	2	3		Info
1969 Jan 7: Pyroclastic flows swept as far as 13.5 km, but villages had been evacuated as a result of a seismic swarm, and only one fatality occurred (some sources list 3 fatalities). (reference #9675) Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1962 Oct (eruptive episode 1962 Oct)	Historical obs./docs.	0	2		Info
1962 Oct: Secondary lahar swept through villages, killing 2 persons and injuring 5. No eruption. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1961 Apr 11 - Nov 28	Historical obs./docs.	3
1961 May 8 (eruption 1961 Apr 11 - Nov 28)	Historical obs./docs.	3	6	moderate	Info
1961 May 8: Pyroclastic flows destroyed 8 villages totally and 2 partially; six persons killed, another 6 seriously injured. (reference #9675) Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1953 Mar 2 - 1958 Dec 16 ±15 d.	Historical obs./docs.	2
1953 Mar 23 (eruption 1953 Mar 2 - 1958 Dec 16 ±15 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	3	64	moderate	Info
1953 Mar 23: 57 wounded, 1 village totally destroyed, 2 partly destroyed, 144 houses destroyed. Pyroclastiv flows reached villages of Pentjarngisor and Pentjarduwar. 30 were killed at the time of the eruption and 34 dies in hospital from burns. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1948 Sep 29 - Dec	Historical obs./docs.	2
1942 May 30 - 1945 May	Historical obs./docs.	2
1939 Dec 13 - 1940 Sep	Historical obs./docs.	2
1933 Oct 1 - 1935 Apr	Historical obs./docs.	2
1932 Nov	Historical obs./docs.	1
1932 Feb (eruption 1932 Nov)	Historical obs./docs.	0	1-50 (*)		Info
1932 Feb: Secondary lahars caused unknown number of fatalities. No eruption. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1930 Nov 25 - 1931 Sep	Historical obs./docs.	3
1930 Dec 18 (eruption 1930 Nov 25 - 1931 Sep)	Historical obs./docs.	3	1,369	heavy	Info
1930 Dec 18: 13 villages totally and 29 partially destroyed, 1,109 houses destroyed, 2,140 cattle killed. Van Bemmelen' notes that deaths were caused by nuees and the volcano observer died of burns. Thouret at al. also note lahar fata1ilies. (reference #9675) Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. #1674 Bemmelen R W van (1949): The Geology of Indonesia. The Hague: Government Printing Office, v 1, 732 p #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. #10953 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 551 p. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1924 Sep 10 - Sep 12 ±1 d.	Historical obs./docs.	1
?? 1923 Sep - Nov	Uncertain Eruption	?
1922 Feb 18 - Aug 8	Historical obs./docs.	1
1920 Jul 25 - 1921 Feb	Historical obs./docs.	2
1920 Jul 25 (eruption 1920 Jul 25 - 1921 Feb)	Historical obs./docs.	3	33		Info
1920 Jul 25: Pyroclastic flow on 10/13 killed 33 persons on flanks; another source lists 35 fatalities. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1918 Jan	Historical obs./docs.	1
1915 Mar 28 - May 15	Historical obs./docs.	1
1909 Feb 1 - 1913 May	West dome Historical obs./docs.	1
1908	Historical obs./docs.	1?
1906 Jan 26 ±5 d. - 1907 Feb 17	Summit and upper east flank (2600 m) Historical obs./docs.	2
1905 Jan - Jun 1	Historical obs./docs.	2
1902 Dec - 1904 Jun 20 ±5 d.	Historical obs./docs.	2
1902 Dec (eruption 1902 Dec - 1904 Jun 20 ±5 d.)	Historical obs./docs.	2	16		Info
1902 Dec: 16 killed, 45 injured and 3 small villages destroyed when pyroclastic flows swept down Woro ravine. Cited references #1412 Simkin, Tom, and Lee Siebert with the collaboration of Russell Blong, Jonathan Dehn, Christopher Newhall, Roland Pool, and Thomas C. Stein (1994): Volcanoes of the World, Second Edition, A Regional Directory, Gazetteer, and Chronology of Volcanism During the Last 10,000 Years, Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, in association with Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program, Washington, D.C., p. 164-176. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
1902 Feb 3	Historical obs./docs.	1

(*) Estimated numbers

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Eruptions of Merapi volcano

April-June 2006 eruption: new lava dome & pyroclastic flows, 2 fatalities
After a period of 5 years of relative calm, a new eruption started in April 2006. A new lava dome was built on top of the lava dome of 1998-2001, powerful pyroclastic flows descended the SW, S and SE flanks in late May and June. Tens of thousands of people were evacuated during the peak of the eruption in late May-mid June. A particularly powerful pyroclastic flow killed two workers trapped inside a shelter that was overrun by a flow on 14 June. ...more info

27 May 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake
On 27 May 2006 a magnitude 6.3 tectonic earthquake near Yogyakarta caused 5750 fatalities, around 40,000 injuries and destroyed large sections of Yogyakarta and sourrounding towns, leaving more than 600,000 people homeless.
The earthquake was caused by the collission of the Australian and Sunda tectonic plates, forming a subduction zone west of the coast of Java.

Jan-Feb 2001 activity: major dome collapse on 10 February
Activity increased in January 2001, lava effusion rates were at high levels and feeding frequent pyroclastic flows. On 31 January pyroclastic flows occurred continuously, reaching up to 3.5 km from the summit, flowing mainly to the SSW, but started also to descend on the SW and W flanks of the mountain into the Senowo and Bebeng Rivers.
On 10 February 2001, a large section of the 1998 lava dome collapsed and triggered a serious of pyroclastic flows that reached 7 km distance from the crater, travelling SSW into the Sat River. Significant ash fall from the eruption occured up to 60 km E of the volcano.
After this event, activity decreased sharply, but continued at lower levels through much of 2001.

Dec 2000- Jan 2001 eruption: pyroclastic flows
Eruptive activity increased steeply during the period of 26 December 2000-22 January 2001. On 14 January, 29 pyroclastic flows traveled down the volcano's SSW and SW flanks and reached up to 4 km from their source. During the week, lava avalanches and pyroclastic flows occurred with an average interval of 0.5-1 hours.

1998-2000 activity: glowing rockfalls
Seismic activity and rockfalls from the lava dome at the summit increased again in June 1998 and peaked between 11-19 July when 128 rock avalanches and pyroclastic flows were recorded descending the Lamat, Krasak/Bebeng and Boyong rivers on the SW and SSW flanks of the volcano.
Activity decreased, but the volcano remained active through 1999 and 2000, when intense degassing, minor explosions, intermittend glow at the summit and occasional rockfalls were recorded.

1996 eruptions - contining lava dome growth and pyroclastic flows
The activity that had started in 1994 continued through 1995 and increased again starting from August 1996, when explosions and pyroclastic flows became more frequent and large. On 9 August, a pyroclastic flow traveled 3.5 km from the summit down the SSW flank and reached the upper parts of the Krasak and Boyong rivers. No casualties were reported. An explosion on 13 September created an ash cloud of ca. 4 km height above the summit.
Activity peaked on 31 October when 17 pyroclastic flows were recorded. They reached a maximum of 3 km distance and touched the upper valleys of Bebeng, Krasak, Boyong, and Kuning rivers on the SSW and SW flanks.
Pyroclastic flows decreased on 1st November and the eruption ended on 2nd November.

1994 eruption - 41 fatalities
A major collapse of the growing lava dome on November 22 1994 produced a large pyroclastic flow that ran 7.5 km on the S flank, overrunning Kaliurang village and killed at least 41 people. 6000 people were evacuated. ...more info

1992-1993 eruption: new lava dome growth
A new lava dome grew in late January and early February 1992 and generated pyroclastic flows travelling up to 4 km to the SW flank. ...more info

1968 eruptions
By the end of May 1968 a viscous lava flow had been extruded from the collapse scar of the Oct 1967 dome collapse and reached 875 m SW on the upper slope. Rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows from the lava flow were frequent in June through August (up to ca. 1500 per month) and died out in September. New activity began in October.

April-October 1967 eruption
A new lava dome was built in April 1967. Dome collapses in October 1967 generated pyroclastic flows into the Batang river valley on the SW side of the cone.

Merapi Volcano FAQ

+When was the last eruption of Merapi volcano?

The last confirmed eruption of Merapi began in 2020 and is continuing (as of April 2025).

+How often does Merapi volcano erupt?

Since 1548 AD, Merapi volcano has had at least 75 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 6.4 years.
Many eruptions of Merapi have lasted more than one year. In total, the volcano has been in eruption during 156 out of 477 years until now. In other words, Merapi has been active at least one in 3.1 years on average. Note that this value is likely an underestimate, because the known history of eruptions from Merapi is likely incomplete, especially further back in time.

+How active is Merapi volcano at present?

Merapi volcano is extremely active: Since 1900, it has been frequently active, showing eruptive activity during 86 years out of 126 as of now. The latest eruption is still continuing at present.

+When was the largest eruption of Merapi volcano?

The largest eruption of Merapi volcano in historic times occurred in 2010. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.

Latest satellite images

See also: Sentinel hub | Landsat 8 | NASA FIRMS

Latest satellite images

Merapi Volcano Tours

Java (Indonesia)

From Krakatau to Bali

16-day study and photo tour to Java, Indonesia

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16 days / 15 nights - Easy to Moderate
Price 3180 €

Custom and group dates

9-24 Jun 2025

7-22 Jul 2025

3-18 Aug 2025

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Java (Indonesia)

Volcanoes of Java

17-day walking and trekking tour on Java

More info

17 days / 16 nights - Moderate to Challenging
Price 3120 €

9-25 Jun 2025

7-23 Jul 2025

1-17 Aug 2025

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Flores, Indonesia

Indonesia Volcano Special

Volcano expedition to Lewotobi and Ile Lewotolok volcanoes in Feb 2024

More info

7 days (10 days with extension) - Moderate
Price 1750 EUR (7d) / 2480 EUR (10d)

no scheduled dates at present

Merapi Volcano Maps

Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).