Scientist warns rain may trigger Merapi lava flow<\/p>\n
YOGYAKARTA (JP): A scientist here is warning the lava flow
\nfrom Mt. Merapi volcano could intensify with the likelihood of
\nheavier rains.<\/p>\n
Director of the Center for Natural Disaster Studies,
\nSudibyakto, said yesterday that much-predicted rainfall from the
\nLa Nina global weather phenomenon could trigger increased lava
\nflow down the mountain.<\/p>\n
La Nina has been forecast to bring more rain in the present
\ndry season, which normally lasts until October.<\/p>\n
Sudibyakto said areas likely to be most affected by rain-
\ntriggered lava flow were Kaliurang, on the outskirts of
\nYogyakarta, along with Srumbung and Dukun in Magelang regency.<\/p>\n
\"Yogyakarta and Muntilan could even be affected in heavy
\nrainfall.\"<\/p>\n
People living in the areas must also be reminded and kept
\nalert of the imminent threat, Sudibyakto said.<\/p>\n
While the alert status of the 2,911-meter-high volcano has
\nbeen downgraded since an eruption over the weekend, Merapi
\ncontinues to spew lava, ash and smoke.<\/p>\n
As many as four million cubic meters of volcanic debris gushed
\nfrom Merapi last week and is now settling on the hillside.<\/p>\n
\"The materials are vulnerable, they could slide easily. If
\nthere is a heavy rain, it will wash down as intensified lava
\nflow,\" head of the volcanology directorate's research office
\nhere, Mas Atje Purbawinata, said separately.<\/p>\n
Merapi is one of the world's most active volcanoes.<\/p>\n
A sudden eruption in 1994 produced a huge steam cloud that
\nrushed down its slopes and flattened a village, killing 60
\ninhabitants and severely burning others.<\/p>\n
Its most destructive eruption this century killed 1,300 people
\nin 1930.<\/p>\n
Residents around the mountain were put on an alert during the
\nweekend when ash, gas and lava poured from its crater, but none
\nwere subsequently evacuated. (23\/44)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/scientist-warns-rain-may-trigger-merapi-lava-flow-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}