by CKR
The mud continues to flow in Sidojaro. The attempt I wrote about back in October to drill relief wells seems to have failed.
I find this story worth following for both the scientific and human aspects, but it can be hard to find information in English. The October Spiegel article still has the most thorough coverage.
The National University of Singapore is posting maps and satellite images of the area. I’m copying a few of them here. The first is before the mud flood, 6 October 2005. The next is 29 August 2006, after the mud had been flowing a couple of months. The last is from 5 January 2007. Take a look at the website, though. It has many more detailed overhead photos of the damage.
Here’s UNICEF’s report on its activities in the area.
An Australian report identifies an earthquake as the cause of the mudflow, but talks are continuing with the companies involved in the drilling. My guess is that nobody really knows what caused it yet.
And here’s my previous coverage of the story, including additional links.
23 November
12 October
9 September
Update (01/21/07): Yet another earthquake in the area.