Search for two believed trapped on Indonesian volcano suspended

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

MOUNT MERAPI, Indonesia (AFP) — A search for two people believed trapped in a bunker at Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano has been suspended as more searing clouds made work too dangerous for rescuers.

The pair ran into the emergency shelter when the volcano emitted a heat cloud that reached seven kilometers (four miles) down its southeastern slopes on Wednesday, sparking panic among residents.

"The search was halted because the volcano was emitting more hot clouds and ash," Suryadi, a local official from Cangkringan district where the bunker is located, told AFP Thursday.

"Workers were afraid and left the area. Maybe they will return when the situation calms," he said.

Suryadi told AFP earlier in the day that workers had dug one meter into the debris...