Volcano victims lose livelihood

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Thousands of people evacuated following the eruption of Mount Merapi on Nov. 22 have lost their livelihoods because the government has declared their villages "no access- zones".

Many of the 5,500 people from the 11 worst-stricken hamlets will be relocated and will have to find new jobs.

For instance 61 families, formerly residing in the Kaliurang resort area and earning a living as food sellers have had to look for other sources of income after the area is closed and declared dangerous.

"They have no idea how they will find substitute jobs," Hargobinangun village chief Soepardjengat told Antara yesterday.

The death toll in the Nov. 22 Merapi eruption has reached 58 and dozens of people are still missing. They are believed to be dead.

Soepardjengat said he has yet to obtain official information if Kaliurang will be reopened for holidaymakers or closed permanently. (pan)