Indonesia issues flight alert after W. Java volcano eruption

Indonesian authorities issued a flight alert notice following eruption of Tangkuban Perahu volcano in West Java province on Friday afternoon.

The orange Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) alert issued by the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's Geological Agency indicates that volcanic ash particles are still lingering 1,000 feet above the volcano crater.

"This level (of situation) may risk the flights. The VONA alert also shows that volcanic ash clouds are heading to south and northeast directions," Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency of BNPB Spokesman Agus Wibowo said in a statement.

Indonesia's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) continues evaluating impacts of eruption in the volcano whose alert is still set at normal grade of Level I at present, Agus said.

PVMBG said that rain of volcanic ashes has affected one to two kilometers of areas around the volcano's craters.

Administrator of West Bandung regency, that hosts the volcano, has closed down the province's popular destination for safety reason at present.

Located 161 kilometers southeast from Jakarta, Tangkuban Perahu volcano that stands 2,284 meters above sea level, is a popular destinations for foreign and domestic tourists.

The eruption that occurred at 15:48 Jakarta time has prompted local authorities to evacuate tourists from the volcano craters. The eruption spewed grayish volcanic ashes 200-meter high into the air.

PVMBG said low intensity of ground tremors were also felt during the eruption that lasted in 5 minutes and 30 seconds.