Stay on alert near Mt Merapi

MAGELANG, Central Java: Residents around Mt. Merapi have been told to stay on the alert, despite a decline in volcanic activity, because of the volcano's unstable condition.

Head of the Mt. Merapi inspection section of the Directorate of Vulcanology Mas Atje Purbawinata warned residents within a nine-kilometer radius of the volcano to stay alert.

"There is a possibility the volcano could spew hot gas at any time," he told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Authorities reduced the volcano's danger status from "alert" to "preparedness" Monday, after volcanic activity declined.

The highest warning category "alert", indicating the volcano could erupt at any time, was announced on Oct. 24.

Some 200 Kaliurang residents, evacuated on Saturday, returned home yesterday.

"They can go home, but they should stay alert and should leave their homes immediately if there are signs that the situation is getting dangerous," a Sleman regency official M. Ali said.

The 2,911-meter high Mt Merapi, Indonesia's most active volcano, last erupted in 1994, killing 70 people, and injuring more than 100.

More than 6,000 people were forced to flee in the eruption which caused extensive damage to surrounding areas.

Merapi also erupted in November 1976, killing 28 people and rendering 1,176 homeless. (har/ste)