Mount Slamet shows activity

PEMALANG, Central Java: People living near Mount Slamet have been put on alert level due to increasing activity of the volcano.

Head of Mount Slamet monitoring post Sukedi, told Antara on Wednesday that mountaineering activities had been banned after his staff detected a rise in temperature and an exodus of animals from the area.

The monitoring post has recorded unusual volcanic activity since April 19, according to Sukedi.

Mount Slamet -- which last had a major explosion in July 1988 -- is located on the borders of the Central Java regencies of Banyumas, Pemalang, Tegal and Brebes.

Pemalang Regent Munir has called on people to prepare themselves for an emergency situation which may force them to leave their villages.