Residents put on alert

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Residents near Mount Lokon were put on alert yesterday when observation posts recorded increased activity in the 1,689-meter-high volcano.

The head of the Tomohon disaster center, J.N. Tampi, said here yesterday the observation post at Kakaskasen village had recorded heightened activity in the volcano's cone.

The volcano last erupted in 1991, resulting in the evacuation of 11,000 people. A Swiss tourist was killed during the eruption.

Mountain climbers were also advised to refrain from visiting the volcano, while farmers were asked not spend the night at their farms, Antara reported yesterday. (prb)