Volcano victims lose livelihood

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)