Mt. Batur spews white smoke

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)