A survivor of the Mount Merapi eruption has given a first-hand account of the disaster, as the Foreign Office updated its travel advice for British nationals in Indonesia. The eruption, which occurred on Tuesday, sent a plume of ash and pyroclastic flow down the volcano's slopes, killing at least 15 hikers and injuring dozens more. The survivor, a 32-year-old British climber named James Whitaker, spoke from a hospital in Yogyakarta, describing how the eruption caught the group unprepared.
'There was no warning. One moment we were ascending, the next the sky turned black. We ran, but the heat was intense.
I was lucky to find shelter behind a rock formation,' he said. Whitaker suffered second-degree burns on his arms and back but is expected to recover. The Foreign Office has now updated its travel advisory, warning British hikers against non-essential travel to the region and urging those already in the area to follow local authorities' instructions.
Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, has been on high alert since late last year. The volcano's eruption underscores the persistent risks faced by adventure tourists in volatile geological zones. The British Embassy in Jakarta is liaising with Indonesian rescue teams to assist affected nationals.
Local volcanologists have warned that further eruptions are possible, as seismic activity remains elevated. The incident has reignited debate over the regulation of guided climbs on active volcanoes, with critics arguing that tour operators prioritise profit over safety. The Indonesian government has announced a review of hiking permits for high-risk areas.
For now, British hikers are advised to monitor the Foreign Office's travel page for updates and to consider travel insurance that covers volcanic eruptions. The Foreign Office statement read: 'We advise against all but essential travel to areas within 5km of Mount Merapi's crater. British nationals in the region should exercise extreme caution and follow the guidance of local authorities.
' The survivor's testimony serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of natural hazards, even for experienced climbers.
