Health problems hit as ash rains down on Central Java

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 05/28/2009 10:34 AM  |  National

Dozens of residents living near Mt. Slamet volcano in Sigedong village in Tegal, Central Java have begun to suffer from respiratory problems, officials said on Thursday.

Titis Cahyaningsih, a top official at the Tegal regency Health Agency, told Antara state news service that the agency had treated 145 people suffering from respiratory complaints and 50 people suffering from eye problems recently.

“We had distributed 3,000 masks and eyedrops to prevent health problems. But as more and more residents are suffering, we will distribute 10,000 more masks,” she said.

For the last month the volcano has been showing increasing activity, spreading ash further and affecting a wider area.

Volcanic ash has fallen over Bumi Jawa district, Tegal regency, and in several subdistricts in Purbalingga, including Serang, Kutabawa, Sirawak and North Tlahab, all in Karangreja district.

Despite the increased volcanic activity, the alert status for the volcano remains at the second highest, meaning evacuation of local residents is not yet necessary. (dre)

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