Merapi volcano alert issued

YOGYAKARTA: An alert has been issued after increased volcanic activity was been recorded inside Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes which is located north of here, an official here said.

Head of the Volcanic Technology Research and Development Station (BPPTK) of the Volcanology Directorate in Yogyakarta, Mas Atje Purbawinata, said that the station had increased the status from "Active Normal" to "Alert" on Friday.

He said the station had recorded increasing tremors on the surface of Merapi's crater, a phenomenon indicating a build up of magma inside the mountain.

"The build up could cause a lava flow, which in turn could send hot clouds down the mountain side," he said.

In November 1994, hot clouds caused by a lava flow from Mount Merapi killed 70 people. (23/44)