Indonesia: Volcanic Eruption - Sep 1984

UNDRO reported on the building of dykes to divert the flow of volcanic mud from slopes. A UNDRO/UNDP permanent representative reported that a chain of dykes was slowly succumbing to a surge of millions of tons of debris. As a result of persistent rainfall around the peak of a mountain since 29 August, Cikunir, Cikuntan, Cimerah, and Cimampang rivers have swollen bringing volcanic material and breaking dykes. Half of the population of Rancailat village was evacuated as houses were submerged by debris. Damage to farming plots was reported. Approximately 12 hectares of rice fields were covered by volcanic sludge. It is feared that if heavy rains continue, more serious damage could be inflicted on villages along river basins further down the slopes of mt. Galunggung. (UN DHA, 10 Sep 1984)