Radio seismograph damaged by rocks

PANDEGLANG, W. Java: The radio seismograph installed at the foot of Mt. Krakatau volcano in Sunda Strait was damaged and stopped functioning when it was hit by flying rocks from the volcano on June 5.

The damaged seismograph means workers at the observation posts in Carita, Pandeglang regency, and Pasauran in Serang regency have nothing to do.

Fine volcanic fallout and smoke continue to billow from the volcano and have covered the areas of Anyer, Carita, Cilegon and part of Serang. Thick smog makes it hard to monitor the volcano by telescope.

In April 1997, 5,164 eruption shocks were recorded, but this dropped to 1,762 tremors in May.

A loud explosion was heard on June 5, 1997, and the rocks that flew out of the volcano apparently hit the radio seismograph and damaged it badly, Antara reported. (swe)