"The volcano`s seismicity keeps on increasing, this indicates the possibility of another eruption in the future, we are only predicting but we don`t know when it will happen," said Farid Ruskanda Bina, head of a Mt Lokon observation post in Tomohon, on Tuesday.
The mountain`s increased activity was indicated by a rise in its tremors` amplitude after the eruption on Wednesday (Aug 17) from 0.5-5 millimeters to 2.12 millimeters on Monday (Aug 22).
"The tremors` amplitude reached 2.12 millimeters on Monday (Aug 22), which indicates an increase in volcanic activity," Farid said.
Besides tremors, the observation post had also recorded a local tectonic earthquake, one volcanic earthquake and three earthquake gusts.
"We just hope people will stay alert. Another eruption is possible. We will continuously monitor increases in its activity," he said.
There is also still a statement that relating Mount Lokon`s increasing volcanic activity followed by the three kilometers radius resident evacuation.
"We will evaluate this situation, for the moment, there is no resident evacuation plan yet," Farid said.
According to Farid, the mount`s status is now on the alert level III.
"The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Agency (PVMBG) Bandung has not raised the status to be careful level IV or alert level II," Farid said.
Mount Lokon last erupted on July 14 and 17, 2011 which forced thousands of residents of Kinilow Village I, Kinilow and Kakaskasen I, the District of North Tomohon, Tomohon to flee their homes.
On July 10, 2011, the alert level III status was raised to alert level IV, and lowered back to level II after the eruption on July 24, 2011.
(Uu.A050/HAJM/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
