Mount Merapi's mudflow forces hundreds to escape in Indonesia

[News_Editor]

Mount Merapi's mudflow forces hundreds to escape in Indonesia

2010-12-01 01:13:23 GMT+7 (ICT)

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEW) — Severe flooding from Mount Merapi's cold volcanic mud in Indonesia's Yogyakarta has prompted government officials to declare state of emergency, officials said Tuesday.

Mayor Herry Zudianto on Tuesday announced the emergency disaster declaration as around 1,000 residents near the Code River have been forced to evacuate with flooding affecting the districts of Gondolayu, Danurejan, Prawirodirjan and Keparakan.

However, Zudianto was clear to say that it was only "to help us cope with floods and refugees in a more comprehensive manner," adding that the city remains safe to visit.

Around 13,000 people live around the river banks of the Code, and several residents have placed sand bags along the river. Local government has set up 94 evacuation points, and even though authorities have allowed residents to return to their homes on Tuesday, rescue teams have encouraged them to return to the camps as further flooding is unpredictable with rainfall.

Surono, head of the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency, has advised residents to stay at least 300 meters away from the river, but many have refused.

Rescue efforts have been challenged by flooded streets and damaged bridges, but no deaths have been reported.

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