Indonesia to Evacuate Hundreds Living Near Active Volcano

Posted July 11th, 2011 at 3:30 am (UTC-5)
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Indonesian officials said Monday they will evacuate hundreds of people living near Mount Lokon on Sulawesi island after raising the volcano's danger status to the highest level – red alert.

A government volcanologist said there had been a significant rise in volcanic activity in the past few days. He said the volcano spewed ash 500 meters into the air in recent days.

A Disaster Management Agency spokesman said about 28,000 people live within the evacuation zone, but only several hundred who are in the path of the ash were to be moved on Monday.

Officials say tourists will also be barred from going on popular day hikes to the 1,580-meter mountain, which is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia.