Mount Merapi calms but caution remains

MAGELANG, Central Java (JP): The authorities decreased Mount Merapi's alert level yesterday although residents in areas highly vulnerable to lava floods were asked to remain watchful.

The lessened alert level did not apply to residents living within a six kilometer radius of the volcano, which erupted Jan. 17 forcing 18,000 people to flee their homes.

The highest level alert still applied for residents living upstream of the Kali Sasak, Kali Boyong and Kali Bebeng rivers, which originate from Merapi.

Officials said the estimated 2.5 million cubic meters cold lava massing on the mountain's top could be washed down by heavy rain any time.

The Yogyakarta-based volcanology office said last night the mountain had ceased spewing hot clouds of ash and had not caused major quakes in the area yesterday, although 472 tremors recorded.

Merapi, 2,968 meters high, erupted in 1994 and claimed 69 lives, permanently disabled 11 and left 5,000 homeless.

Head of the volcanology office Atje Purbawinata told The Jakarta Post caution was still needed for people close to Merapi due to the high level of volcanic activity.

Dozens of sand quarries in Krasak river defied an official ban and were seen collecting sand and gravel yesterday.

"My family will starve if I do not quarry sand, especially since Idul Fitri is coming soon," a 35-year old resident, Wagiyo, told the Post.

He admitted he had taken precautions under the dangerous situation; sirens and gongs would ring to remind him to move from the area in the case of emergency.

Food supplies

The Boyolali regency government has mobilized dozens of trucks to transport food and medicine supplies to a number of badly-hit subdistricts such as Musuk, Selo and Cempego.

"We are prepared to evacuate them any time the situation requires it. We are informed of any development," regent Syahrial Makgalantung said.

Syahrial reported costly damage to crops in the Cempego, Selo and Musuk subdistricts. Musuk was the hardest hit by Merapi's flying ash.

The provincial administration also delivered several trucks of clean water to Boyolali, as sulfuric ashes greatly affected the water supply, particularly near Merapi.

Soewardi appealed to local residents to remain cautious because of the possibility Merapi could erupt again.

He warned the massive cold mud on the mountain top could bury the nearby Turgo village during heavy rains. (har/23/01)