Villagers flee volcano's path

2004-06-07 08:06

Jakarta - More than 1,000 people have been evacuated from the slopes of Mount Awu volcano in northern Indonesia after it showed signs of erupting, police and a vulcanologist said on Monday.

Villagers have been moved to Tahuna, the main town on Sangihe island north of Sulawesi, and the evacuation is continuing, said police in Tahuna, 15km south of Mount Awu.

The policeman, who identified himself as Ronny, said the refugees are being sheltered in two government buildings. He said smoke could be seen rising from the mountain early on Monday.

'Beware'

The vulcanology office on Sunday raised the status on the 1 320m Mount Awu to "beware", the highest alert level.

"In light of the heightened vulcanic activity, the 'beware' status is still maintained," said Samuel Dolompaha, from the vulcanology monitoring station on Sangihe.

Dolompaha said the mountain has been spewing flames and thick smoke since the second week of May. The level of volcanic earthquakes have also intensified since early on Sunday.

Mount Awu last erupted in 1992 but caused no casualties. A major eruption in August 1966 killed 39 people and caused thousands to flee.

The Indonesian archipelago sits on the so-called "Pacific Rim of Fire" noted for its volcanic and seismic activity.

- AFP