"As of last night, 203 refugees were housed in the refugee barracks in Glagaharjo after four others came in," Cangkringan Sub-district Head Pramono stated at the refugee barrack on Wednesday.
At the onset of the evacuation process, 164 residents of Kalitengah Lor Hamlet, Glagaharjo, had fled the volcanic eruption, and later, the count increased to 185 people.
"Thereafter, on the third day, their number increased to 198, and last night, the fourth day, the refugee count reached 203," he stated.
Based on existing data, most newly arrived people were adults not categorized as a vulnerable group obligated to join the evacuation.
"However, they have fled, probably to accompany their grandparents, their children, or adults, who are scared since they have a traumatic experience due to the 2010 Merapi eruption," he remarked.
Pramono noted that the logistical requirements of refugees were sufficiently met, and no significant problems were encountered.
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Facilities should be in compliance with the COVID-19 health protocols, including the provision of sufficient washbowls, hand soaps, and inter-refugee skates, except for face masks.
The Yogyakarta Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG) raised the status of Mount Merapi, located on the border of Central Java and Yogyakarta.
Based on the monitoring of Mount Merapi from October to November 2020, its seismicity has intensified due to volcanic activities.
The south side slopes of Mount Merapi are in the administration region of Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, while other slopes are part of Central Java Province, specifically in Magelang on the west side; Boyolali at the north and east; and Klaten on the southeast.
Responding to this sign of natural danger, the Sleman district government declared a disaster alert status.
Earlier, Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo had urged local villagers to stay vigilant though avoid panicking. In 2010, Mount Merapi had erupted and killed some 300 people.
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Translator: VS Pranyoto, Fardah
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
