It was still very early on Saturday, February 10. The dawn had yet not shown its glorious tinge. Suddenly, Mt. Merapi spat dark ash plumes, like primordial wrestling giants, into the sky. Then, a glowing avalanche was seen sliding toward the western slope, ready to prey on anything in its path.

But such a frightening sight is already a part of everyday life for Merapi watchers at Babadan observation post, the highest of its kind at just 4.4 kil