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