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)