The Biggest Volcano Erupts in This Century

The Largest Volcano Erupts in This Century In this century, various natural phenomena have become a big concern, and one of the most striking is volcanoes. Among the many eruptions, some of them stand out as the strongest and most affecting. One of the largest volcanic eruptions in the XXI century was the eruption of Mount Merapi which occurred in 2010. Mount Merapi, located in Indonesia, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The 2010 eruption not only had a wide impact on the slopes of the area but also affected many aspects of life, from health to the community’s economy. With a height of around 2,930 meters, Merapi has a stratotype and is known for its high eruptivity. This eruption began in October 2010, when volcanic activity increased drastically. An early warning was received by the National Disaster Relief Agency (BNPB), which alerted the local community. On 26 October 2010, a state of alert was implemented, and mass evacuations were carried out, with more than 350,000 people evacuated to escape danger. The peak of the eruption occurred on November 5 2010, producing hot clouds and ash rain that spread widely to various areas. The impact of volcanic ash covered parts of Central Java and Yogyakarta, disrupting aviation activities and public health. More than 300 people died as a result of this eruption, and thousands of people suffered injuries and prolonged health risks due to exposure to ash. The disaster mitigation system implemented during the eruption of Mount Merapi was quite effective in reducing the number of victims. However, the long-term impact on the local economy was huge, with many farmers losing their farmland. Research from Gadjah Mada University shows that the post-eruption rehabilitation process requires more than one year to recover. In a global context, the Merapi eruption emphasizes the importance of monitoring volcanic activity. The formation of institutions or organizations that focus on research and disaster risk mitigation has grown rapidly. Through modern technology, the use of GPS monitoring and seismography helps in estimating the likelihood of future eruptions. Apart from Merapi, several other eruptions in this century are also worth noting, such as the eruption of Mount Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland in 2010, which had a major impact on global air travel. However, the intensity and impact of the Merapi eruption provides valuable lessons for the government and society in terms of disaster preparedness and mitigation. Considering that Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, volcanic phenomena will continue to be part of the reality of people’s lives. Education about volcanic risks needs to continue to be improved so that people are better prepared to face potential threats. The success of disaster risk management in the future depends greatly on cooperation between government, scientists and society itself. A series of research and technological developments in volcanology will continue, with the hope of producing more effective methods for predicting and dealing with possible future eruptions. People’s knowledge and awareness of the geological conditions around them can be key in protecting lives and property from volcanic threats.