Aftershock, volcanic outburst scare devastated Indonesians

Published Sunday, June 4, 2006

BANTUL, Indonesia (AP) - The Mount Merapi volcano spewed lava and hot clouds yesterday, and a strong aftershock hit the region, sending fear rippling through the southern Indonesian area devastated by an earthquake only a week ago.

The mountain’s lava dome has swelled in the past week to 330 feet, raising fears it could collapse, said Subandriyo, a government scientist who uses one name. That could release a highly dangerous pyroclastic flow - a fast-moving burst of high-temperature gases and rock fragments that burns anything in its path.

More than a thousand aftershocks have hit the region since the 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck before dawn May 27, killing at least 6,234 people and injuring 30,000 more. Officials estimate that 135,000 homes were destroyed.

Scientists say the quake might have contributed to a weakening of the lava dome.

Most aftershocks have been weak, but one overnight yesterday jolted survivors awake.

"I picked up my nephew and ran out of the house. It was very strong," said Yudi, who like many Indonesians uses one name. There were no reports of damage from the quake, measured at magnitude 3.4.

Worried villagers in recent days have performed rituals aimed at warding off an eruption. On Thursday, the mountain’s royally appointed spiritual guardian, "Mbah" Maridjan, led a silent procession of 100 people three times around a village near the volcano.