Stay on alert near Mt Merapi<\/p>\n
MAGELANG, Central Java: Residents around Mt. Merapi have been
\ntold to stay on the alert, despite a decline in volcanic
\nactivity, because of the volcano's unstable condition.<\/p>\n
Head of the Mt. Merapi inspection section of the Directorate
\nof Vulcanology Mas Atje Purbawinata warned residents within a
\nnine-kilometer radius of the volcano to stay alert.<\/p>\n
\"There is a possibility the volcano could spew hot gas at any
\ntime,\" he told The Jakarta Post yesterday.<\/p>\n
Authorities reduced the volcano's danger status from \"alert\"
\nto \"preparedness\" Monday, after volcanic activity declined.<\/p>\n
The highest warning category \"alert\", indicating the volcano
\ncould erupt at any time, was announced on Oct. 24.<\/p>\n
Some 200 Kaliurang residents, evacuated on Saturday, returned
\nhome yesterday.<\/p>\n
\"They can go home, but they should stay alert and should
\nleave their homes immediately if there are signs that the
\nsituation is getting dangerous,\" a Sleman regency official M. Ali
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The 2,911-meter high Mt Merapi, Indonesia's most active
\nvolcano, last erupted in 1994, killing 70 people, and injuring
\nmore than 100.<\/p>\n
More than 6,000 people were forced to flee in the eruption
\nwhich caused extensive damage to surrounding areas.<\/p>\n
Merapi also erupted in November 1976, killing 28 people and
\nrendering 1,176 homeless. (har\/ste)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/stay-on-alert-near-mt-merapi-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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