Mount Lokon highly active

MANADO, North Sulawesi: The government called yesterday on residents living near Mt. Lokon (1,689 meter) to stay away from it because volcanic activity has been on the increase over the last few days.

Tumohon regent Karel Senduk ordered all chiefs of villages near the volcano to inform residents of the imminent danger. He said they feared the mountain would spew poisonous gases.

Gray volcanic clouds have been seen erupting from Mt. Lokon and villagers have smelt sulfur.

Mt. Lokon's last major eruption occurred in 1991, claiming one life and forcing over 10,000 residents to evacuate from the Tumohon district. (08)