Mt. Rokatenda on alert status

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Relief Body in Bandung announced on Monday that Mount Rokatenda on Palue Island, Sikka regency, East Nusa Tenggara, was on alert status following increased activity in the mountain.

Local residents confirmed an increase in the mountain's activities, saying they had heard thundering sounds coming from the mountain over the past two weeks.

Despite the alert status, residents near the mountain are reportedly continuing to go about their daily activities.

Rokatenda is an active volcano some 1,100 meters above sea level. It is located about 70 kilometers north of Maumere in East Nusa Tenggara. The volcano last erupted in 1985. -- JP