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)