new adventures!

(my 2 volcanoes. the smaller one on the left is merapi, the bigger one on the right is merbabu. i live on merbabu...)

i got this email today:

Dear Fellow Staff Members,
I would like to remind and/or inform everyone of the possible upcoming eruption of Mt. Merapi.  Currently the Indonesian government has placed Mt. Merapi on it’s highest alert status and is urging people living on the mountain to evacuate in preparation for an eruption.  In the event of an eruption, we will be fairly safe from any lava flow or large flying debris due to Mt. Merbabu being between us and Mt. Merapi.  In the event of a large eruption though, the likelihood of some falling ash or ash clouds blowing over is fairly high.  The ash itself won’t be very hot, but may be quite toxic.  

Here is some information which should help you in the event of a major ash fall here – a rare but possible occurrence.  An ash cloud may involve hot air and therefore increased air temperatures in the cloud itself.  If volcanic ash should fall on us, as a reminder, do not breathe it in and do not play in it or allow your children to play in it as the effects of this toxic substance could be very dangerous to your health.  It is advised to place a mask over your mouth and nose and to seek shelter immediately, if not sooner.  If an appropriate mask is not available, a wet cloth should be used.  Irritation to the eyes and skin may also occur, so you should keep your eyes and skin covered as well and avoid direct contact with the ash. 

Driving a vehicle during a heavy ash fall may be dangerous and is not recommended unless absolutely necessary as visibility and traction on the road could be greatly reduced.  The ash can contain very fine particles that will easily clog up your vehicle’s air filter possibly causing it to stop running.  It is advised not to come into direct contact with the ash due to it’s toxicity, but rather to use gloves and other protective clothing if you must come in contact with the ash, ie: clean-up.

Please remember that public utilities and services may be disrupted for a period of time if the ash fall is great; including electricity, water, transportation – airports, etc.  It is advisable to stock up with at least a week’s supply of drinking water and non-perishable food items.  The recommended amount of water would be at least 3 to 4 liters per person per day.  This may mean purchasing a couple of extra 20 liter (5 gallon) water bottles to keep at home.

For reassurance, Mt. Merapi has erupted several times in the past 12 years, but we have not experienced any major ash fall in that time.

In the event of an earthquake associated with an eruption (again, an unlikely but possible occurrence) follow the earthquake procedures first making any necessary adaptations depending on current conditions, such as falling ash – cover mouth/nose with wet towel/cloth. 

for news, you can read this:

http://en.vivanews.com/news/read/184768-mt-merapi-ready-to-blow

or:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/10/23/official-warns-mt-merapi-eruption.html

weird thought – a year ago come november, i was at the top of this volcano....