According to the school principal Nur Kholiq, some of the volcanic ash was still present in the school's environment.
However, teachers and students at the school wore masks to protect themselves from the dust and volcanic ash of Mt. Merapi's eruption.
SDN 2 Tlogolele school is located on a highland on the slopes of Mt. Merapi and is about 5 km from the peak. The school is still open as normal, although some students are studying online from their homes.
Kholiq pointed out that only 77 out of the 117 students attended school on-site, while the rest 40 students are learning from home online.
The students, who studied on-site at the school, are from grades 3, 4, 5, and 6, as they underwent an examination try-out. Meanwhile, students from grade 1 and 2 studied remotely.
No students were on holiday due to the eruption, the principal stated.
Based on the Geological Disaster Technology Investigation and Development Center (BPPTKG) report, Mt. Merapi launched hot cloud avalanches towards Kali Bebeng on March 11-12, and as of Monday, there were 60 hot cloud avalanches from the mountain.
The BPPTKG urged the public to not conduct activities in at-risk areas and advised them to anticipate disturbances due to the volcanic ash and to watch out for volcanic mudflow, especially during rains in the mountainous area.
According to village head Selo Ngadi, the eruption was heard at Tlogolele Village on Saturday (March 11) at around 12:15 p.m. local time, and 30 minutes later, a thick ash rain fell.
To anticipate the ash impact, his side distributed masks to residents, including students and teachers, as they continue their daily activities.
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Translator: Bambang M, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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