Indonesia volcano eruption: Bali and Sumatra on ALERT as 20 volcanoes rumble

Volcanoes in Indonesia have been showing increased activity recently, according to reports from the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (PVMBG). The area of Asia is located in the infamous Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its volatile volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. Up to 70 percent of the World’s volcanoes are located in the region, and many in Indonesia have been put on some kind of alert. One such volcano is ‘El Fuego’, the volcano of fire, which has erupted twice this year with disastrous consequences.

According to Indonesian officials, 20 volcanoes in the country are under some kind of watch.

The PVMBG grades volcanoes with different warning levels depending on how likely they are to erupt soon.

These range from caution to danger, least to most dangerous, and each of Indonesia’s 120 volcanoes has its own ranking.

Three volcanoes in particular are among the highest warning levels, and could be subject to erupt at any given moment.

PVMBG’s head of western region volcanic mitigation, an official known singularly as Kristianto, commented on which volcanoes are on specific alerts.

He said: “One of them has the status of awas [danger], two are on siaga [watch] and the remaining 17 mountains are on waspada [caution].

“The awas is Mount Sinabung [North Sumatra], and the siaga are Mount Agung [Bali] and Mount Soputan [North Sulawesi].”

Each the three volcanoes currently listed in the highest warning levels have erupted this year and are known for their volatility.

Kristianto noted there were also more detailed instructions for volcanoes not currently in the highest category.

He said: ”For Mount Tangkubanparahu [West Java], Dieng [Central Java], Papandayan [West Java], Gede [West Java] and Bromo [East Java], we have given the direction to remain cautious and coordinate with us at the PVMBG or with the Volcano Observation Post, which is on stand-by to provide information.”

These volcanoes could all erupt at a moments notice, and with few obvious signs, according to the official.

He warned: “It’s not that there are no signs, but they are short, and not obvious.

“Mount Tangkubanparahu in 2013, for example, issued several phreatic eruptions that were not preceded by obvious signs,” he said.

When was the last eruption in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s last eruption came from Mount Soputan, only a few days ago.

Located on Sulawesi island, the volcano erupted twice on December 16, sending ash 7,000 feet into the air.

No-one was harmed by the eruption, but locals were told to wear masks to protect from descending ash, and a further warning for magma was extended.

The volcano remains on the second-highest level for danger.