Head of the Sub-Section of Volcano Mitigation for Eastern Region Devy K. Syahbana expounded that the eruption on Friday (July 26) was caused by magma steam interacting with the hydrothermal system of Mount Tangkuban Perahu followed by a change below the surface.
"Several mountains too can experience this condition, and it is not only in Tangkuban Perahu. The same also took place at Mount Papandayan and Mount Dieng. This usually does not start with a clear sign and can occur at any time," Syahbana stated at the PVMBG Monitoring Room Geological Agency, Bandung City, West Java, on Saturday (July 27).
However, he noted that based on the eruption that occurred, the threat exists only in the areas around the crater, while those outside the crater will not be too perilous.
"If there is not much danger in the area outside the crater, at least be ready to wear masks," he explained.
Meanwhile, Head of PVMBG's Administration of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Gede Suantika remarked that the Tangkuban Parahu eruption will not have an impact on the Lembang Fault movement.
Suantika noted that the Lembang Fault movement may take place when the eruption is very large to release magma.
"Eruption is now very small if you are looking to draw a link with the Lembang Fault. The Lembang Fault movement can occur if magmatic eruption occurs," Suantika remarked.
Due to this event, the PVMBG has also issued recommendations to managers of tourist attractions to not permit entry to people around a 500-meter radius of the area.
Traders, tourists, and climbers are also banned from staying in the active crater area at the Mount Tangkuban Parahu complex.
"People living in the vicinity of the area are advised to remain vigilant of the rising concentration of volcanic gas and are requested to not linger at the edge of the crater," Suantika noted. EDITED BY INE
Translator: Bagus Ahmad Rizaldi/Bambang Pu
Editor: Eliswan Azly
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
