Merapi spews burning ash

SEMARANG: Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has been spewing volcanic ash since April 5, prompting the government to put residents on alert.

Mas Atje Purbawinata of the Yogyakarta-based Directorate of Geology said the ash falls 800 meters from the top of the 2,962 meter tall mountain, and does not yet pose any danger.

The burning ash is clearly visible from the observation post in Kaliurang at the foot on the mountain.

Rain could wash the resulting debris into the Boyong river, which passes through Yogyakarta, he was quoted by Antara as saying.

The last major eruption occurred in late 1994, killing 70 people and forcing 4,000 families to evacuate to safer ground. (pan)