On Wednesday afternoon, the mountain had it's biggest blast yet. Fortunately, I have not heard of any human casualties from yesterday eruption. The evacuation zone was widened from a 6 km radius to a 9 km radius, which means that almost 70,000 people are now out of their homes for safety's sake. (When we realize that our home town of Walla Walla had a population of less than 50,000 this number becomes real for us.) The main volcanologist is now saying that Merapi will likely continue to erupt for weeks.
A few days ago, we looked on the map to learn that Mount Merapi is located less than 20 miles from us, as the crow flies (although it takes MUCH longer to drive there in a car.) It's so strange that we can't see it, feel it, or hear it. We are getting a small amount of ash from time to time, but that is it. It's hard to comprehend that this amazing power source is wreaking havoc in our local area. I wonder if we should make some contingency plans for our own family? We are keeping a close eye on the news and so far no one has suggested that our area need to be concerned.
But we ARE concerned for those people who are suffering in the refugee camps. God's people around us are responding: the local Christian university in our town sent at least one aid team to the volcano area yesterday, our school is collecting items and money to make baby packets for the little ones, clothes are also being collected.
Please continue in prayer for the almost 80,000 people who had fled from their homes. God will lead you how to pray. He is the only power who can control this powerful mountain. I am glad He is in control.
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