Refugees From Mount Merapi, Return To Home

Biwara Yuswantana/Photo: Antara

YOGYAKARTA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta confirmed that 193 residents of Kalitengah Lor, Cangkringan, Sleman who had taken refuge in Glagaharjo Village Hall after the eruption of Mount Merapi since Wednesday night March 9 have returned to their homes. They go to their homes. The ones at Glagaharjo (Village Hall) are gone," said the Head of the DIY Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Biwara Yuswantana when contacted in Yogyakarta, Thursday, March 10. Biwara said all refugees returned to their homes in Kalitengah Lor. Those who had evacuated consisted of 114 adults, 38 elderly, 40 children or toddlers, and a pregnant woman. According to him, residents decided to evacuate at Glagaharjo Village Hall after hearing the loud roar of hot clouds falling from Merapi on Wednesday night. "Last night, I heard the sound was loud, right," said Biwara as quoted by Antara. He said that it was still safe for people on the slopes of Merapi to return to their homes. Materials that came out of Mount Merapi since Wednesday night, according to him, are still flowing "The condition is still safe. You can still return," said Biwara. Mount Merapi released hot clouds of avalanches (APG) as far as 5,000 meters and headed southeast on Wednesday (9/3) since 23.18 WIB In addition, 7 times incandescent lava was observed with a maximum sliding distance of 1,800 meters to the southwest. BPPTKG also recorded ash rains that flushed a number of areas including Tlogolele Village in Selo District, Boyolali Regency and Gantang Village, Sawangan District, Magelang Regency.