Mount Rokatenda becoming active

Mount Rokatenda becoming active

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The volcano Mount Rokatenda has
increased activity since Saturday, with people living on the
slopes of the mountain abandoning their homes in fear of a larger
eruption, a senior government official says.

Rokatenda has been billowing clouds of white smoke during the
past few days, with villagers living on or near its slopes
reporting a series of small tremors.

Sikka regional government assistant secretary Henyo Kerong
said residents on the slope of Mount Rokatenda had fled their
homes to lower ground fearing bigger eruptions.

Henyo said the administration had warned residents to remain
watchful of the volcano, one of the most active in the region.

The increased activity came after Mount Egon eruption in the
province in September last year, forcing thousands of people to
flee their houses for safety. -- JP