Mount Kerinci on High Alert

Padang Aro, West Sumatra province (Antara) - The alert status of one of the active volcanoes on Sumatra Island, Mount Kerinci, has been raised following numerous bursts of volcanic activity being recorded over the last few days. To date, there have been four to seven volcanic earthquakes per day, reported Indra Saputra, chief of the local volcanology office, on Monday. "We have forbidden the locals from performing any activities within 3 kilometers of the volcano. But there is no sign of volcanic ash so far," stated Indra. Meanwhile, Hamudis, Chief of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), said the local residents are still performing their normal daily activities. "But we have informed them, especially those who live in the foothills of Mount Kerinci, to be on alert," Hamudis noted. (*)