Mt. Batur spews white smoke

DENPASAR, Bali: Mt. Batur, near the scenic tourist resort of Kintamani in Bangli regency some 60 kilometers northeast of here, has shown greater volcanic activity recently, Antara reported.

The news agency quoted Bangli Regent I Gde Anak Agung Ladip as saying that the mountain has been spewing white smoke, making thunderous noises and exuding a sulfuric smell over the past few weeks. Tourists have been barred from climbing the mountain or camping on its slopes.

Ladip said the last volcanic activity recorded was in August 1994.

"The residents can go on with their daily activities, but they should stay alert," Ladip said.

In the first week of October, 50 small tremors were recorded. The number increased to 142 in the next week. In the third week of October, the number of tremors reached 386, and shot to 1,663 in the last week of last month. (swe)