CO2 emissions rise three times higher than safe level at Indonesia’s Mt. Dieng volcano

June 5, 2011 – INDONESIA – Poisonous gases spewing from Mount Dieng surpassed levels deemed safe for humans on Sunday. The level of carbon dioxide concentration measured in the air at Timbang, one of Mount Dieng’s six craters, is two times higher than what is considered safe, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, said. On Sunday morning, the crater released thick clouds that spread approximately 100 meters towards the south and the main road connecting Wonosobo and Banjarnegara districts. Five new earthquake detectors had been installed around Mount Dieng to monitor activities of three of its craters- Kepakisan, Karangetah and Pasorenan. The detectors are vital in not only detecting ground movement, but also toxic gases released from below. Locals have been instructed to remain in evacuation shelters and no one is permitted within a 1 kilometer radius of the crater. There are over 1000 evacuees currently living in shelters in Batur, Pejawaran, Wanayasa and Karangkobar. –Jakarta Globe