World Map › Major Eruptions › Merapi 1961
Historic Eruption
1961 Eruption of Merapi
8 May 1961 · Stratovolcano · Indonesia
On 8 May 1961, Merapi in Indonesia erupted. The volcano rises to 2,910 m. Its Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is 3 out of 8, that of a severe eruption ejecting more than 10 million m³ of material. It killed at least 6 people and injured 6. Most deaths were caused by pyroclastic flows.
- Date
- 8 May 1961
- Volcano
- Merapi
- Volcano Type
- Stratovolcano
- Elevation
- 2,910 m
- Country
- Indonesia
- Explosivity Index (VEI)
- 3 out of 8
- Deaths
- 6
- Injuries
- 6
- Homes Destroyed
- 101 to 1,000
- Estimated Damage
- 1 to 5 million US dollars
- Main Causes of Death
- Pyroclastic Flows
Other Significant Eruptions of Merapi
- 2017December 2017 Eruption · Debris Avalanche8 deaths
- 2013February 2013 Eruption · Lahars1 death
- 2011January 2011 Eruption · Lahars1 death
- 2010October 2010 Eruption · VEI 4367 deaths
- 2006June 2006 Eruption · VEI 1 · Pyroclastic Flows2 deaths
- 2001August 2001 Eruption · VEI 2 · Pyroclastic Flows2 deaths
- 2000November 2000 Eruption · VEI 2 · Debris Avalanche1 death
- 1997January 1997 Eruption · VEI 26 deaths
- 1994November 1994 Eruption · VEI 3 · Pyroclastic Flows66 deaths
- 1986December 1986 Eruption · VEI 2 · Lahars1 death
- 1976November 1976 Eruption · VEI 2 · Lahars29 deaths
- 1974October 1974 Eruption · VEI 2 · Lahars9 deaths
- 1969January 1969 Eruption · VEI 2 · Pyroclastic Flows3 deaths
- 1962October 1962 Eruption2 deaths
- 1954January 1954 Eruption · VEI 2 · Pyroclastic Flows64 deaths
- 1932February 1932 Eruption
- 1930December 1930 Eruption · VEI 3 · Pyroclastic Flows, Lahars1,369 deaths
- 1920July 1920 Eruption · VEI 2 · Pyroclastic Flows35 deaths
- 1904January 1904 Eruption · VEI 2 · Pyroclastic Flows16 deaths
- 1902December 1902 Eruption · VEI 2 · Pyroclastic Flows16 deaths
- 1872November 1872 Eruption · VEI 4 · Pyroclastic Flows, Ash and Tephra200 deaths
- 187217 April 1872 Eruption · VEI 4 · Pyroclastic Flows170 deaths
- 187215 April 1872 Eruption · VEI 4 · Ash and Tephra30 deaths
- 1832December 1832 Eruption · VEI 232 deaths
- 1822December 1822 Eruption · VEI 3100 deaths
- 1672August 1672 Eruption · VEI 3 · Pyroclastic Flows3,000 deaths
- 15871587 Eruption · VEI 4
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database (doi:10.7289/V5JW8BSH) · Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program