Volcanic activity increasing at Indonesia’s Semeru volcano

March 2, 2012 – JAKARTA – Volcanic activities in Indonesia’s Mount Semeru keep increasing with 38 tremors on Thursday from around 28 everyday and its danger status remains at level III, an official told Xinhua. Dr. Surono, head of Vulcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation of Geology Agency (PVMBG) said that the volcano keeps erupting every day, forming volcanic dome and emitting smoke. “Tremor occurs every 15-30 minutes,” said Surono. However, he said that the agency has not yet urged people living surrounding the volcano to evacuate. According to local media, some people in the area are worried of sudden eruption that could destroy their villages following the increasing volcanic activities. Mount Semerun, the highest one in Java Island with height of 3, 676 meters, is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. –EPD