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© sugengpribadi.com
The volcanic activity of Mount Dempo in Pagaralam of South Sumatra province, has been increasing recently, with at least 79 tremors recorded last week, the Jakarta Post quoted an official as saying on Monday.

"Eight deep volcanic quakes and one surface quake were recorded between Oct. 25 and 31," Mt. Dempo observation post chief Slamet said.

He said Mt. Dempo was different to other volcanoes in Indonesia, particularly because of its wide and vast crater.

"This means there can be changes in its volcanic activity at any time," Slamet said.

Dempo erupted in 1838, creating a lava lake covering an area of around 3,000 square meters.

Despite that only volcanic tremors had been recorded, Slamet said, residents living on Dempo's slopes needed to be on the alert because of its unpredictable nature.

In anticipation of a possible eruption, Pagaralam city administration has prepared a disaster mitigation team comprising volunteers and search and rescue members.

He said that evacuation zones had also been designated in north, central and south Dempo regions, with room for thousands of refugees.