In the wake of the Mount Sinabung eruption in North Sumatra that killed 16 people on Saturday, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has raised the status on another 19 volcanoes in the country to alert level — the second-highest category.
Besides the 19 new additions, three volcanoes have been on high alert status since last year. They include Lokon and Karangetang in North Sulawesi and Rokatenda in East Nusa Tenggara.
Although it raised the alert status, the BNPB has yet to call for the evacuation of populations living nearby. However, local officials have issued a warning to people living close to Mt. Kelud to stay outside a 2-km (1.2 mile) radius set by The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG).
Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Agung Laksono called on people living close to the volcanoes to remain calm and not panic.
The 19 volcanoes are Kelud, Ijen, Bromo, Semeru and Raung in East Java; Lewotobi Perempuan in East Nusa Tenggara; Ibu, Gamkonora, Dukono and Gamalama in North Maluku; Soputan in North Sulawesi; Sangeang Api in West Nusa Tenggara; Papandayan in West Java; Dieng in Central Java; Seulewah Agam in Aceh; Talang and Marapi in West Sumatra; Anak Krakatau in Banten; and Kerinci in Jambi.
The BNPB is now keeping an eye on Mount Kelud, whose status was raised to alert following intensified volcanic activity.
Sixteen villages had to be evacuated following the Mt. Sinabung eruptions.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/02/04/19-more-volcanoes-alert.html
Thanks to Amit Naik and Bill Sellers for this link