Eruptions destroy forest preserves

BANDAR LAMPUNG (JP): A series of eruptions since November 8, 1992, have destroyed all the living creatures and a great part of the nature preserve at the Anak Krakatau volcano in Sunda Straits.

According to an official responsible for the preserve, Djodi Mochtar, as reported by Antara from Bandar Lampung, the mountain itself has grown bigger, longer and 30 meters higher than before.

He said he does not plan to release any new live fauna to rehabilitate the preserve at present since Anak Krakatau is still erupting, causing minor quakes and spewing dangerous lava, stones, sand and hot ash.

"We will let nature have its way. We will intervene only against possible destruction by human hands," he said. "Everything will grow and regenerate after the eruptions end." (17)