Indonesia's Krakatau Volcano Put On Alert

Serang, Indonesia (AHN) - Indonesian officials have placed an alert on the Anak Gunung Krakatau volcano in the Sunda Strait that separates Java and Sumatra islands. Tourists and fishermen were also warned not to come near the volcano, which is being monitored after experts detected increased volcanic activity from the site.

Officials report that Krakatau normally produces five tremors per hour. Yet, from Oct. 24 to 26, experts detected 20 tremors an hour. The volcano also spewed white-grey smoke plumes 80 to 200 meters high.

Lava flow is yet to be seen so the status is not yet critical. The last time Krakatau was put on alert status was in 2000, when it emitted lava.

Another volcano, Mount Kelud in East Java's Kediri district, is in highest alert status since Oct. 17 due to increased tremors and temperature. Locals living on Kelud's slopes have been evacuated.