Mt. Merapi still spewing dust

Mt. Merapi still spewing dust

YOGYAKARTA: People in Yogyakarta and many other areas near Mt.
Merapi continued to use makeshift masks yesterday as a thick
blanket of dust flew about in the wake of the volcano's eruption
Saturday.

Although there was no new eruption yesterday, the millions of
tons of volcanic ash spewed since the weekend have created havoc
in the daily life of residents.

Agus from Kaliurang, a mountainous tourist resort on the foot
of the mountain, said people in the area had resorted to donning
masks in the last two days to prevent them from breathing the
dust.

"This area has been covered by the dusty haze. Rooftops and
trees have been shrouded with dust and ashes," he said.

Merapi erupted early Saturday, disbursing hot clouds and smoke
to nearby areas.

People living around the mountain have been asked to stay
alert to the possibility of cold lava from its top, but there has
been no official evacuation. (23/44)