Volcanic Ash from Mount Merapi Affects 19 Villages in Magelang

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Volcanic ash from Mount Merapi rained on 19 villages in seven sub-districts of Magelang District in Central Java Province on Tuesday, according to the district's Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD).

According to data from the Magelang Disaster Mitigation Agency, a thin layer of ash from Mount Merapi covered Paten and Sengi Villages in Dukun Sub-district, Ketep and Wonolelo Villages in Sawangan Sub-district, as well as Pakis, Gejagan, Rejosari, Banyusidi, Ketundan, Petung, and Daleman Kidul in Pakis Sub-district.

The ash rain also spread to Pucungsari, Pesidi, and Lebak Villages in Grabag Sub-district, Kaliurang Village in Srumbung Sub-district, Kebonagung Village in Tegalrejo Sub-district, as well as Karangkajen, Donorejo, and Krincing Villages in Secang Sub-district, officials said.

"The condition is under control. Community activities are still under control and undisturbed. We remain on standby 24 hours," head of Magelang district BPBD, Edi Wasono, said as quoted by the National Disaster Management Agency's (BNPB's) press release on Wednesday.

To prevent the volcanic ash from affecting public health, the BPBD has distributed masks to residents in Sawangan and Dukun sub-districts, he added.

According to the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG), Mount Merapi spewed hot clouds as far as 2,500 meters to the southwest at 20:27 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The hot clouds triggered the ash rain.

The status of Mount Merapi's volcanic activity has been maintained at level 3 or "alert", BPPTKG said. Residents have not been asked to evacuate to a safer place, but they have been advised to remain vigilant, it added.

"Stay calm and alert as well as follow strict health protocols. Don't go outside if it's not urgent," said Wasono.

Read: Mount Merapi Erupts, Showers Volcanic Ash over Five Areas

ANTARA