The 19 volcanoes are Kelud, Raung, Ibu, Lewotobi Perempuan, Ijen, Gamkonora, Soputan, Sangeangapi, Papandayan, Dieng, Seulewah Agam, Gamalama, Bromo, Semeru, Talang, Anak Krakatau, Marapi, Dukono and Kerinci.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - As many as 19 out of 127 volcanoes in Indonesia have shown increasing volcanic activities and their statuses have been raised from normal to alert level II (Waspada).
Head of Data and Information Center of National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Sutopo Purwo Nugroho issued a statement, here on Monday that the 19 volcanoes are Kelud, Raung, Ibu, Lewotobi Perempuan, Ijen, Gamkonora, Soputan, Sangeangapi, Papandayan, Dieng, Seulewah Agam, Gamalama, Bromo, Semeru, Talang, Anak Krakatau, Marapi, Dukono and Kerinci.
"People need not panic and worry. The alert level II simply means an increasing activity of the volcano above normal status; all symptoms are taken into account. It is not critical," Nugroho assured.
According to him, intensive and exaggerated reporting on a volcanos increasing activity sometimes leads to a negative reaction in the society.
Tourism centers, hotels, agriculture and peoples economic activities outside the exclusion zone might be affected. "It happens at Mount Bromo, Ijen, Dieng, Tangkuban Perahu and Papandayan," Nugroho added.
Hotels and tourism centers in Kabanjahe, North Sumatra, were deserted as people are afraid to visit these places. In fact, the location is safe and quite far from Mount Sinabung.
"The nature of volcanoes is slow and steady, meaning they do not explode suddenly. There are stages from normal, alert level II (Waspada), alert level III (Siaga) and alert level IV (Awas) depending on the threat potential," Nugroho explained.
Most required during the alert level II, are safety evaluation, hazard assessment, equipment checking and limited picket.
"While during the alert level III (Siaga), it is most important to evaluate the safety of the public in the prone areas, prepare emergency equipment, coordinate with relevant authorities on a daily basis and full time picket," Nugroho added.
The status of Mount Kelud of East Java was raised from normal to alert level II on Sunday (Feb. 2) following its increasing volcanic activity.
Meanwhile, there are three volcanoes on alert level III (Siaga): Karangetang (N Sulawesi), Lokon (N Sulawesi) and Rokatenda (E Nusa Tenggara).
Mount Sinabung of North Sumatra is the only volcano on alert level IV (Awas) recently. The rest of the volcanoes remain under the normal status.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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