Merapi danger status reduced

Merapi danger status reduced

SEMARANG: Mt. Merapi's activity declined significantly over
the past two days prompting authorities to reduce the volcano's
danger status from "alert" to "preparedness".

Wimpy S. Tjetjep of the Directorate of Volcanology said the
reduced status also applied to vulnerable areas near Boyong
River.

Notification of Merapi's decreased activity, including fewer
quakes on the surface, had been sent to the governors of Central
Java and Yogyakarta, and Sleman, Boyolali, Klaten and Magelang
regents.

Head of the Mt. Merapi section of the Directorate of
Volcanology Mas Atje Purbawinata called on residents to remain on
the alert. "The hot lava spurting from the crater could suddenly
release dangerous hot gasses," he said.

Central Java Governor Suwardi said that despite the reduced
status, his officials will remain on the alert. (har)