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President calls for distribution of masks to residents arount Mt Kelud

NU Online  ·  Rabu, 17 Oktober 2007 | 18:00 WIB

Jakarta, NU Online
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday asked East Java Governor Imam Utomo to distribute masks among residents living on the slope of rumbling Mount Kelud in Kediri district.

"I want the masks made available in large numbers and distributed among residents living around the volcano," the head of state said in a dialog with provincial police chiefs at the Indonesian Police Headquarters here Wednesday.<>

The president asked the local authorities to be firm in rescuing affected residents particularly when the volcano reached the serious level of danger.

If the local authorities felt it necessary to evacuate the affected residents, they must do so like when Mt Merapi in Central Java belched out hot clouds, he said.

"Do your utmost for the benefit of residents living around Mt Kelud," he was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.   

The 1,731-meter volcano had its status raised to the highest level of alert on Tuesday evening after it had shown signs of increased activity.

Volcanic tremors and increased temperatures in the past few days have led to fears of an eruption, and residents have been told to stay away from the volcano.

More than 50 tents have been sent in to house refugees should the volcano erupt. (dar)