Lava threatens Lumajang

LUMAJANG, East Java: Fearing that the heavy rains would wash lava down from Mount Semeru, the local government evacuated 850 people in the Pronojiwo subdistrict to safer ground Saturday.

The heavy rains that have pounded the regency since early Saturday could flush an estimated 13 tons of lava from the slopes of the volcano, said Abdul Rahman from the social service office.

The 230 families are taking shelter in an elementary school building in Supit Urang and in the residence of the Krajan village chief, Antara reported.

The 3,676-meter volcano spewed hot ashes, damaging 441 hectares of food crops in Sumber Sari and Supit Urang villages last week but there have not been any reports of fatalities. (pan)