Mount Merapi's activity drops<\/p>\n
MAGELANG, Central Java (JP): Mount Merapi's activity declined
\nyesterday but residents in nearby villages were asked to remain
\nalert for possible explosions.<\/p>\n
The 2,968-meter-high volcano still gushed burning lava and
\nspewed hot ash into the air but with less intensity than
\nWednesday, said officials monitoring Merapi's activity.<\/p>\n
Authorities in the nearby regencies of Boyolali, Klaten and
\nMagelang are keeping the level of danger at \"stand-by alert\",
\nasking people to be prepared for evacuation.<\/p>\n
The volcano, one of the world's most active, continued raining
\nseveral subdistricts in Boyolali with fine volcanic ash.<\/p>\n
Sunarto, an official in charge of monitoring Merapi, told The
\nJakarta Post that the mountain was expected to continue spewing
\nash for several more days.<\/p>\n
\"People should remain alert because volcanic eruption is often
\nunpredictable,\" said Sugiyanto, spokesman for the Boyolali
\nregency administration.<\/p>\n
In Krasak, Bebeng and Boyong rivers on the slope of the
\nsmoking volcano, sand quarriers continue their operations,
\ndefying the authorities ban and risking imminent hot lava floods.<\/p>\n
Residents in Magelang's Srumbung subdistrict at the foot of
\nthe mountain also ignored officials' warning of imminent danger.
\nSchools opened as usual and villagers went to their rice fields,
\nAntara reported.<\/p>\n
Since the alert level was raised earlier this week, the
\nvolcano has been closed to mountaineers.<\/p>\n
Tourist spots near the mountain, especially in the Kaliurang
\nresort area, have also been closed until further notice.<\/p>\n
The latest major eruption occurred in 1994, killing 68 people
\nand forcing over 5,000 families to evacuate. (har\/23\/pan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mount-merapis-activity-drops-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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