Hundreds evacuated after Egon eruption

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Sikka regental government has helped evacuate hundreds of residents living near the slopes of the currently active Mount Egon volcano, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Residents in the two subdistricts were evacuated after the volcano again started spewing out hot ashes beginning last week, said Sikka Regent Alex Longginus. The residents will live in temporary shelters until the volcanic activity ceased, said Alex.

Earlier, an official of the East Nusa Tenggara provincial government called on residents and mountain climbers not to climb the raging volcano for safety reasons. -- JP