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)