Mt. Papandayan activity subsides

Mt. Papandayan activity subsides

GARUT, West Java: Some people living at the foot of Mount Papandayan returned to their houses on Tuesday after the threat of further eruptions subsided.

A local district official said on Tuesday that the volcanic activity had ceased. "Some local dwellers have left their place of refuge at Cisurupan Mosque and in nearby Simpang subdistrict," said Tedi, a Cisurupan district official, as quoted by Antara news agency on Tuesday.

Lahar threatened five subdistricts at the foot of Mount Papandayan on Monday, forcing residents to flee the area.

The subdistricts were Pangumbahan, Pakuwon, Sirnajaya, Cipaganti and Sirnagalih.

Some residents remained cautious and chose not to return until the danger had completely passed.

No fatalities were reported, but lahar covered Cibereum Bridge, cutting traffic access to the South Garut area. --Antara