Purwokerto, C Java (ANTARA News) - Mount Slamet in Central Java has erupted again on Wednesday, sending volcanic materials up 1,000 meters into the sky, head of the Geological Board at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Surono reported.

The volcano has erupted again, with the first eruption occurring at 10.37 a.m. and the second at 10.47 a.m., he stated.

He noted that the volcano, which straddles the five districts of Banyumas, Purbalingga, Pemalang, Tegal, and Brebes, can erupt anytime although it had showed signs of decreased activity, with no tremors recorded during the last four days.

Eruption is possible as the status of the volcano is at the alert level, he said.

Therefore, he called on local residents not to carry out activities within the four-kilometer radius of the crater.

"Outside the radius, they are safe to carry out activities as usual," he remarked.

The residents of hamlet IV of Limpakuwus village, Banyumas District, panicked when the mount erupted on Wednesday.

"The sound of the eruption was very loud, followed by strong vibrations," head of the hamlet Wasirun said.

He noted that he had received short message texts from several residents enquiring about the condition of Mount Slamet when it remained calm during the last few days.

Local resident Budi Satrio said he heard the sound of the eruption repeatedly.

"After the second eruption, there was a rain of sand for nearly two to three minutes," he added.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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