Official warns of rain on Merapi

Official warns of rain on Merapi

SEMARANG: Mount Merapi research authorities have warned
residents in surrounding areas to be on the alert because the
volcano has been spewing hot lava and toxic gasses in recent
days.

Panut, of Kaliurang observation post, said the mountain has
been obscured by thick fog.

"If the rain falls for longer than three hours, there is a
danger that the volcanic gasses will be washed to the ground," he
told Antara Thursday.

The head of the Mt. Merapi section of the Directorate of
Volcanology, Mas Atje Purbawinata, said he has issued warnings to
several regencies about recent volcanic activity. (ste)