Refugees greet Idul Fitri in camps

Refugees greet Idul Fitri in camps

GARUT, West Java: Nearly 10,000 people displaced by the
eruption of Mount Papandayan will be greeting Idul Fitri on
Friday in refugee camps in Garut regency.

Although Idul Fitri draws near, displaced persons remain in
several camps in Cisurupan, Bayongbong and Cikajang.

The volcano first erupted on Nov. 11 and has spewed mud and
debris into rivers at its foot.

A senior staff member of the Directorate General for
Volcanology and Mitigation, Mas Atje Purbawinata, said volcanic
activity was expected to continue and locals should remain alert
for a possible major eruption.

Further hardship could follow for residents should heavy rains
occur, as a million cubic meters of volcanic matter sitting on
the crater's edge could be washed down the mountain's slopes.

Donations have been distributed to the displaced persons to
ease their burden. -- Antara