TEMPO.CO, Banyuwangi - Two magma craters appear on Raung volcano, Banyuwangi, East Java, said an observer at Mount Raung Volcano Observatory Post (PPGA), Burhan Alethea. The magma vents were detected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Landsat 8 satellite on June 25.
According to Burhan, the new vents would facilitate magma flow so that major eruption can be avoided. Volcanology and Geology Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) has yet to determine potential volcanic material contained in Raung volcano. Burhan, however, believes that the volcano’s caldera will be able to contain the materials.
“But if the materials flow out of the caldera, we will raise the status,” said Burhan.
PVMBG has deployed eight additional observers to the location to monitor volcanic activity at Raung that has been increasing since June 21. On Monday, June 29, PVMBG has raised the volcanic status from Level II to Level III.
IKA NINGTYAS