Mt. Batur coughs no more

Mt. Batur coughs no more

KINTAMANI, Bali: Mt. Batur's activity slowed significantly on
Friday to allay earlier concerns that a major eruption was
imminent, according to the Antara news agency.

The thick smoke, which earlier this week reached heights 300
meters above the crater, had receded to less than 100 meters by
Friday.

"It is quieter now," noted Gde Nurjaya, chief of the Kintamani
district.

Experts sent from the Directorate of Volcanology in Bandung
said the volcano may still emit lava, but if and when it does, it
is likely to be a slow process and people living on the
mountain's slope will still have ample time to evacuate.

Bali Governor Ida Bagus Oka on Thursday visited a number of
mountainside villages to plead with them to remain calm but
always on the alert. (emb)