Reservoir holds lava flow

YOGYAKARTA: A reservoir built at the northernmost part of Boyong river is doing what it was intended for, diverting the lava flowing down from Mt. Merapi crater.

But the dam, located only about seven kilometers from the mountain top, is already spilling over because its capacity is only 300,000 cubic meters, the Antara news agency reported.

Two other dams further downstream and two more currently being built, should further neutralize the impact of the flowing lava which otherwise could threaten the city of Yogyakarta.

The Boyong river goes straight to the Code river which cuts Yogyakarta in the center.

The authorities had earlier warned people living along the Code banks to prepare for possible evacuation fearing that there could be a massive lava flood following the Merapi eruption last month. (emb)