Anak Krakatau on alert, surrounding area sealed off

JAKARTA: In response to increasing seismic activity around Mt. Anak Krakatau, trekking and hiking activities have been banned in the area.

A Mt. Anak Krakatau monitor said Sunday that the mountain, which has seen increased seismic activity since April, has been erupting on a daily basis.

"We advise tourists and fishermen to stay clear of the mountains three-kilometer radius," Anton Tripambudi said to tempointeraktif.com.

According to reports from the team stationed in Serang, Banten, there has been a total of 85 eruptions, six internal volcanic quakes and 18 tremors within the last 12 hours.

"The three kilometer radius area surrounding the mountain is unsafe and there are strong indications seismic activity, including the emission of hazardous gas, will continue to increase," Anton said.

In April this year, observers placed Mt. Anak Krakatau on high alert. -JP