Indonesia: Earthquake makes volcanic activity strong

The Indonesian volcanic watchdog on September 17 said the earthquake that shook Sumatra last week made three volcanoes in the area more active, but not dangerous.

"Three volcanoes: Dempo, Kaba and Talang have stronger seismic activity after the earthquake," said Yan Saut Simatupang, head of the Indonesian Volcanic Surveillance Agency.

According to Simatupang, the Talang volcano is located 30km from Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province, which can spray white smoke and volcanic ash, but is insignificant and not worrisome; and Dempo and Kaba volcanoes in Bengkulu province may not have these activities because they both rarely spray lava.

West Sumatra is the second most affected province after Bengkulu province in the 12-9 earthquake, with 4 people killed and dozens injured.

People pick up things that can be used after an earthquake in Muko Muko (Photo: AFP)

WALL VY