Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that Mount Lokon volcano in Tomohon City, North Sulawesi, continues to be active.

"Mount Lokon has erupted three times since October 5," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, Chief of BNPB`s Data and Information Center Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, said here on Saturday.

Nugroho added that the eruption of Mount Lokon was explosive, as ashes rose 1.500 meters, followed by a burst of incandescent material to a height of 350 meters.

He said that the explosions were heard at the observation post of Mount Lokon.

"The ashes were blown to the east and the north," Nugroho said.

An early warning about increased activities on Mount Lokon was released on October 4, 2012, he said.

Further, the people living around Mount Lokon have been asked to remain alert, though the volcano`s status is still listed as idle.

"The people do not need to be evacuated yet," he said.

He also added that the BNPB continues to coordinate with all parties regarding the increased activity of the Mount Lokon.

(C005/INE/KR-BSR/O001)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2012