Mt. Rokatenda's volcanic activities increase, residents evacuate

Hundreds of local residents have been forced to evacuate as hot ashes spewed by Mount Rokatenda in Pulue Island, Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara on Thursday.

"Volcanic ashes have reached four villages: Nitunglea, Rokirole, Kesokoja and Lidi. Our team has distributed masks and medicine for the residents," Sikka disaster management agency head Silvanus Tibo said on Friday.

Rokatenda's volcanic activities have increased since Oct. 1, records show that there have been more than 50 volcanic earthquakes and 15 local tectonic earthquakes coupled with flames. The volcano’s last eruption was on March 23, 1985, with volcanic ashes reaching two kilometers above the mountain’s peak. Rokatenda also erupted during the period of Aug. 4 to Sept.25 1928.

Nearly 6,000 people are currently living in four villages surrounding Mount Rokatenda. (cor/swd)