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Government warns of possible danger in Dieng Plateau
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Potato fields in Dieng Plateau, Central Java, have replaced the lush jungle that once drew hordes of tourists eager to enjoy the scenery. (JP/P.J. Leo)
T
he government has warned that the volcanic Dieng Plateau also has the Timbang Crater, which is more dangerous than the Sileri Crater. The Sileri Crater erupted on Sunday and 20 tourists were directly impacted.
In total, there are 22 active craters in Dieng Plateau, including the Timbang Crater, which once emitted poisonous gas in 1979, killing 179 people in the process, said Agus Budianto from the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) recently.
“The Timbang Crater is quite dangerous because it only contains gas, which is different from the Sileri Crater, which also contains water,” Agus said.
(Read also: Dieng Plateau: from potatoes to cultural heritage)
Agus said his side would closely monitor Timbang Crater’s activity.
Meanwhile, the latest eruption at Sileri Crater, which has been identified as a phreatic eruption, was reportedly caused by gas pressures underground, resulting in an explosion that sent out a mix of steam, water, ash and mud.
According to the local disaster agency, Sileri Crater, which is also a famous tourist destination, is one of the most active and dangerous craters in Dieng Plateau, with six eruptions recorded from 1939 to 2009.
“Each tourist needs to strictly follow the guidelines. Furthermore, gas has a heavier mass than air, and in the evening, it will be concentrated and might be poisonous,” Agus said. (bbn)
