Prambanan Temple Facing Threat from Mudflows

VIVAnews - Yogyakarta still expects more volcanic mudflows to hit the area as high precipitation is still likely on the city's upstream main rivers. 

According to a volcanologist at Gajah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Bambang Widjaya Hariadi, after a geological mapping on the streams of Opak and Gendol rivers, the mudflows have resulted in sedimented sand, pebbles, and shattered stones six kilometers off the Prambanan Temple compound.

In addition, sand deposits on the Sabo River are only two kilometers away from the temple. "We fear that [the stream] brings with it huge stones [from the Mt Merapi slopes]," said Hariadi yesterday, March 13.

However, Hariadi believes Prambanan Temple is still secure from the threat posed by volcanic mudflows. "If heavy rains take place, the risk is still there," he said.

Hariadi suggested the local administration set outs projects to make river beds deeper as well as to build embankments.

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Coverage by: Juna Sanbawa | Yogyakarta