Merapi active again, emits 13 blasts

YOGYAKARTA (JP): After two days of insignificant activity, Mt. Merapi again began spewing hot clouds early yesterday.

Volcanologists stationed at the Kaliurang monitoring post said Mt. Merapi spewed clouds of hot ashes 13 times between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. yesterday, the time of pre-dawn meal (sahur) for Moslems observing the holy fasting month of Ramadhan. Many people, therefore, were unaware of the increased activity so there was no panic.

The clouds traveled 3,500 meters toward the Krasak River in the southwestern part of the volcano and, although they have not reached nearby residential areas, locals were alerted yesterday.

The Krasak, Boyong and Bebeng rivers, six kilometers from the volcano, are still on maximum alert while the status of the remaining areas has been reduced to "be prepared" following the volcano's decline in activity since Tuesday.

Head of the volcanology office of Yogyakarta Mas Atje Purbawinata told The Jakarta Post tremors followed the hot clouds. The observatory post reported 24 volcanic tremors, which reflected volcanic activity at 500 meters below the volcano's peak.

Mas Atje also said a dome of lava continued to grow on top of the volcano. The observatory center recorded 21 multi-phase tremors for the six hours to 6 a.m. and 58 lava fallouts, the sign of an unstable lava dome.

About 15,000 people have been evacuated from surrounding villages since Mt. Merapi erupted last Friday. But most of them have begun returning to their homes despite warnings to stay away.

Authorities fear those who return home will suffer respiratory problems due to the volcanic ash Mt. Merapi is still emitting.

The situation could worsen any time, they said. (23/01)