Bandung, W.Java (ANTARA News) - The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) Agency still determines the standby status of Mt Bromo in East Java at level III, head of the volcano observation PVMBG Geological Agency, Hendrasto, said here, Thursday.

Data obtained by PVMBG show the eruption is still going on, thick gray smoke white crater is still visible and the pressure is still quite high with an altitude ranging from 400 meters to 800 meters.

"The observation and monitoring of Mount Bromo show that it is still in standby status or level III. The eruption is still going on and still heard rumbling," Hendrasto noted.

In addition, PVMBG reminds the people living in the vicinity of Mount Bromo to remain alert to potential lava flows following potential rains that still will happen in February 2011.

"The potential danger still exists in Bromi on February 5 there were still volcanic eruptions and rocks as far as 1.2 to 1.4 kilometers from the crater," he explained.

Hendrasto reminded the people to be wary of continuous eruptions from unclear source.

"The people, tourists and climbers are not allowed to enter the area within a radius of 2 kilometers from the crater," Hendrasto noted.

He mentioned, there is still a potential for a thin ash falling in the north and northeast, so that people around the region should be cautious and wear face masks.

PVMBG also recommended an immediate study on the spreading of ash and air content threshold for the safety of flights to and from Juanda Airport in Surabaya (East Java).

Besides Mount Bromo, Mount Ibu in West Halmahera is still in standby status. While 20 other volcanoes which are in alert status or level II included Mount Merapi (Yogyakarta), Karangetang (North Sulawesi), Sinabung (North Sumatra), Talang (West Sumatra), Kaba (Bengkulu), Kerinci (Sumatra), Anak Krakatoa (Sunda strait), Papandayan (West Java), Slamet (Central Java), Semeru (East Java), Sangeangapi (West Nusa Tenggara), Rokatenda (East Nusa Tenggara), Egon (East Nusa Tenggara), Soputan (North Sulawesi), Lokon (North Sulawesi), Gamalama (North Maluku), Dukono (Halmahera), Seulawah Agam (Aceh), Rinjani (West Nusa Tenggara) and Mount Batur (Bali).
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Editor: Bambang
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