MOUNT MERAPI, Indonesia - Mount Merapi's unstable lava dome has partially collapsed, easing pressure that threatened to make the Indonesian volcano erupt. However, the mountain remains as the "highest possible alert," volcanologist Antonius Ratdomopurbo said on Monday. "We should know within two days whether we can lower the (alert) level," Ratdomopurbo said. The mountain has been venting steam and debris for weeks, but its lava dome swelled after a powerful May 28 earthquake, raising concerns the dome could suddenly collapse, sending scalding gas, rocks and debris hurtling into populated areas. A huge, superheated cloud, the largest this year, brought down...
