Mt. Slamet activity is dying down

Mt. Slamet activity is dying down

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: The volcanic activity of Mount Slamet, 3,428 meters above sea level, is subsiding after two weeks of frequent tremors and intense smoke.

"Although the activity is dying down, residents near the mountain should stay alert for possible eruption," said Soekedi, a Pemalang regency official in charge of monitoring volcanic activity.

When the volcano's activity heightened last week, it spewed smoke that darkened Banyumas, Purbalingga, Pemalang, Brebes and Tegal regencies.

He told The Jakarta Post that mountaineers have been advised against climbing too close to the 12.5 hectare crater, the most popular part of the mountain among nature lovers and adventurers.

Mount Slamet has erupted 38 times since 1772. Official statistics show that 31 mountaineers have been killed since 1981. They either fell, lost their way, or were unable to bear the cold at that height. (wah)