Indonesia raised the volcano warning to the highest level

Lokon Volcano in North Sulawesi Island continued to operate strongly on July 17, creating a lava column and smoke higher than 3,500m. The Indonesian government has raised the level of volcanic warnings to the highest level.

Columns of smoke up to 3,500m from Lokon volcano in the eruption yesterday (Photo: AP)

The AP quoted the local government as saying that Volcano Lokon had been active twice in succession yesterday 17-7. Start spraying at 10:30 (local time) and then spray again at 1110. The volcanic ash emanating from the explosion formed a 500m cloud.

Previously in the middle of the past week, volcanoes first opened to create a column of 1,500m smoke in the air. Representative of the Center for Geological and Volcanic Disaster Recovery, Mr. Surono, said it was still too early to conclude whether this was the last strong operation.

During a strong eruption on Sunday, police and troops were mobilized to evacuate people. To date, nearly 5,000 people have been evacuated. Spokesman for Disaster Management Sutopo Nugroho said no casualties were reported in the eruption yesterday.

Jakarta Post newspaper reported that Agung Laksono, Minister of People's Welfare Coordinator, visited evacuation camps and said the government would spend $ 58,500 to support evacuees.