Indonesian workers rush to complete dam system at rumbling volcano

Kediri, NU Online
Workers rushed to complete a system of dams Tuesday at one of Indonesia's deadliest volcanos, fearing an eruption could send a wave of superheated water, rock and ash surging down its slopes.

Volcanologists have warned that Mount Kelud on densely populated Java island could be on the verge of a major eruption, with a dome of magma forming under its crater lake.<>

Cement dams up to 20 meters high and six meters thick have been under construction for several months to channel the possible surge from the lake away from residential areas.

"They want us to finish the dams as quickly as possible," said Wagimin, a worker who like many Indonesians uses one name. If the volcano erupts while construction is under way, workers will rush to a nearby elevated road for safety, he was quoted by Associated Press as saying.

Authorities have attempted to evacuate tens of thousands of villagers from the danger zone since the mountain was put on high alert more than two weeks ago, but many have refused to stay in government shelters and are continuing to watch over their fields and homes.

Volcanologist Umar Rosadi said tremors were continuing under Kelud's crater, and bursts of smoke and soaring temperatures in its crater lake indicated it could soon erupt.

In 1990, Mount Kelud spewed searing fumes and lava that killed more than 30 people and injured hundreds. In 1919, a powerful explosion that reportedly could be heard hundreds of kilometers away killed at least 5,160. (dar)