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URWOKERTO, C. Java: Mount Slamet's volcanic activities kept increasing Wednesday as ash from the volcano was deposited further east, reaching Purbalinga regency.

"The lava sprays are also increasing. We therefore call on local residents to stay alert," head of volcano observation division of the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG), Agus Budianto, said Wednesday.

He added ash showers previously only fell in Bumi Jawa district, Tegal regency, but since Tuesday night had expanded to several subdistricts in Purbalingga, including Serang, Kutabawa, Sirawak and North Tlahab, all in Karangreja district.

"We strongly recommend the affected regency administrations distribute masks soon. Don't wait until bigger eruptions take place," he said, reminding of the danger of volcanic ash to human respiration.