Mount Merapi calms but caution remains

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)