No. 54/MC.TDBM/11/2010

PRESS RELEASE

No. 54/MC.TDBM/11/2010

MERAPI’S ACTIVITY IS DECLINING

Yogyakarta, 20/11 (20:20 WIB) Merapi’s activity which is still under Level 4 status (AWAS), until Saturday (20/11) afternoon, is declining. Though volcanic earthquake on Friday (19/11) was recorded 13 times, while today is 23 times, but the quake magnitude is smaller. This can be seen from the tremor of lava flow which happen only three times, while a day before happened six times.

Based on the observation report of, since dawn until in the afternoon, the tip of Merapi was covered by thin to thick fog. Along with the fog, a white to brownish solfatara smoke was also seen. Heat cloud ashes was smelled with low intensity in Manisrenggo Municipality, Klaten, at 2.50 PM. While cold lava sediments still can be seen on entire rivers originating from the tip of Merapi.

Head of Volcanology and Mitigation Center, Surono, in his report, keep recommending inquiries to be done on volcanic ashes which potentially interfere flight route to Adi Sucipto Airport, Yogyakarta. Citizens are not allowed to do any activity on the stream of river originating from Merapi. “The threat of lava flow is in the area with distance of 300 meters from the river banks coming from Merapi.” He said.

To anticipate the spreading possibilities of heat cloud area, Surono added that Volcanolgy and Geology Disaster Mitigation Center is coordinating intensively with the local government. “People are advised not to panic and get distracted by issues who are using the name of certain institution on their behalf about Merapi and always following the instruction from local government.” Surono said.

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