The volcano continues to rumble. For several weeks now it has been emitting ash clouds and pryoclastic flows. Some lava has been released, but Merapi typically doesn't emit a lot of lava. It is mostly hot burning clouds of sulphric ash.
About 200 people have lost theirs lives to these eruptions. Many people have had to leave their homes. There about 300,000 people who are living in shelters at this time. However, they are going home during daylight hours to tend to their crops and animals. Groups from our city are heading to these camps to distribute supplies and play with the children. Please pray that their needs will be met as they wait for things to calm down enough to go home. We are not sure when that will happen.
Last weekend (first weekend of November) our ash fall in Salatiga was more significant and we had to wear masks at school when we were out and about because there was a lot of ash in the air. There are only a few rooms at the school that are closed off and have air conditioning. So, this week, there was a lot of cleaning going on to try to get rid of the dust and ash. So far we have not had the wind blow anymore this way.
We do appreciate your prayers for this country which has endured much hardship.
