Mt. Talang spews smoke, authorities to raise alert level

Syofiardi Bachyul ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Padang   |  Fri, 07/03/2009 9:32 AM  |  National

Authorities may raise the alert status for Mount Talang in Solok after a 400-meter plume of brown smoke erupted Thursday afternoon, a disaster management agency reported.

Ade Edwar, head of operations at the agency, said Thursday evening that following the appearance of smoke, volcanic tremors began.

If the tremors continue, he said, the monitoring post at the agency would raise the alert status of the volcano.

Meanwhile, an earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck the West Sumatra capital of Padang on Thursday afternoon. Ade said the quake and the eruption of smoke from the volcano could be connected.

Activity at the 2,597-meter volcano has been traced back to 1883 and continues today. (dre)

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.