Three Lahar Detectors Installed on Mt Merapi

The area around Mount Merapi is imperiled by the volcano mudflow, which may hit the nearby villages at anytime. 11 upstream rivers have now been fulfilled by volcanic materials, which have been spewed by the mountain since October 26.

Anticipating the lahar, Yogyakarta Volcanology Technology Research and Development Agency (BPPT) will install lahar detectors on two spots.

"The devices will send signals when the volcanic mud pour down on the villages," said BPPTK Head, Subandriyo, in Yogyakarta, Nov 12. The devices will be set up on Gendol and Boyong rivers.

In addition to establishing the devices, the BPPTK team also maps out areas that may possibly affected by volcanic mud.

Meanwhile, to anticipate the lahar, Yogyakarta administration this week will supply eight backhoes to dredge Code River.

If any dredging is not carried out, the homes on the riverside are threatened to floodwater.

"Volcanic materials are still flowing on to the Merapi slopes and they're hundreds of millions of cubic meters in volume," said Yogyakarta Mayor, Herry Zudianto.