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)