Merapi volcano alert issued

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)