Berita/News
December 2009
10.12.2009 Indonesia - Avian Influenza (Human - susp.) A suspected human case of Avian Influenza was reported in West Sumatra. The victim was a 37-year-old man who had contact with dead ducks before falling ill.
November 2009
29.11.2009 Indonesia/Bali - Rabies (Human) On 22 Nov 2009, the human rabies death toll of the Island of Bali was given as 17. On 23 Nov 2009, the Bali rabies outbreak human death count has reached 20 and one day later, an infected 28 year old person from Karangasem was admitted to hospital. It is clear that the outbreak has not yet been brought under control and that cases are occurring in widely separated parts of the island.
18.11.2009 Indonesia - Dengue Fever As of October this year, more than 26 500 suspected cases of Dengue Fever with 33 deaths were reported in Jakarta, Indonesia. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.
11.11.2009 Indonesia/Bali - Activity at Batur Volcano (Update)
Hiking trail has been closed at Batur volcano in Bali, Indonesia due to fears of an eruption. Since 1st November 2009 there have been 53 deep and 83 shallow volcanic earthquakes. Evacuation will be necessary if the alert level is raised to the next higher level. Currently residents are allowed to continue activities around the volcano, but should stay away from the summit area. Batur volcano is a popular tourist location on Bali, and offers spectacular views of one of the world's most impressive calderas. The last eruption of Batur volcano was in 2000 when ash emissions reach a height of 300 m above the summit.
09.11.2009 Indonesia/Bali - Volcanic Activity at Batur Volcano
Volcanic earthquakes have increased significantly at Batur volcano on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Shallow volcanic earthquakes measured at the volcano were: 11 in September, 20 in October, 7 between 1-7 November, and 53 on 8th November. Yesterday, the alert status at Batur volcano was increased from I (Normal) to II (Waspada).
08.11.2009 Indonesia - Rabies (Human) As of October 2009, the Ministry of Health of Indonesia has reported 15 human deaths (Indonesian citizens and tourists) caused by Rabies in Bali. Most human and animal Rabies cases have been confirmed near popular tourist destinations on the southern tip of Bali.
October 2009
17.10.2009 Indonesia - Chikungunya Fever A suspected outbreak of Chikungunya Fever affecting hundreds of people was reported in North Sumatra. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.
16.10.2009 Indonesia - Krakatau Volcano
A large earthquake (magnitude 6.1) hit 60 km SSW of Krakatau volcano Indonesia. The earthquake's focus was at a depth of 50 km and located in the Sunda Strait under Panaitan Island. Krakatau volcano has been erupting in May 2009. The earthquake is related to the Sunda subduction zone. The earthquake was felt with an intensity of III-IV at Krakatau Volcano Observatory. According to the results recorded at Gunungapi Seismometer Krakatoa in Pasauran, the earthquake hit at 16:53:06 pm, and had a duration of 601 seconds, with a maximum amplitude of 70 mm and aftershocks at
17:01:24 had a duration of 171 seconds with a maximum amplitude of 69 mm. At Gede volcano observation post the earthquake was felt with an intensity of III, and had a duration of 300 seconds. People have been advised to stay alert to the occurrence of aftershocks, where the energy is usually smaller than the main earthquake. The earthquake did not cause a tsunami, because although the earthquake was centered in the ocean, its depth over 50 km and magnitude was not large enough to produce a deformation of the ocean floor.
Geologic Summary: The renowned volcano Krakatau (frequently misstated as Krakatoa) lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Collapse of the ancestral Krakatau edifice, perhaps in 416 AD, formed a 7-km-wide caldera. Remnants of this ancestral volcano are preserved in Verlaten and Lang Islands; subsequently Rakata, Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes were formed, coalescing to create the pre-1883 Krakatau Island. Caldera collapse during the catastrophic 1883 eruption destroyed Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes, and left only a remnant of Rakata volcano. This eruption, the 2nd largest in Indonesia during historical time, caused more than 36,000 fatalities, most as a result of devastating tsunamis that swept the adjacent coastlines of Sumatra and Java. Pyroclastic surges traveled 40 km across the Sunda Strait and reached the Sumatra coast. After a quiescence of less than a half century, the post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) was constructed within the 1883 caldera at a point between the former cones of Danan and Perbuwatan. Anak Krakatau has been the site of frequent eruptions since 1927.
01.10.2009 Indonesia - Earthquake 6.6
Today at 01:52 UTC (08:52 am local time at epicentre) a magnitude 6.6 earthquake at depth 15 km occurred 17km SW of the summit of Sumbing volcano, Sumatra, Indonesia.
160 km (100 miles) NNW of Bengkulu, Sumatra, Indonesia
215 km (135 miles) SE of Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia
490 km (305 miles) SSW of SINGAPORE
705 km (435 miles) NW of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia
The Sumbing volcano last erupted in 1730. Other volcanoes near the earthquake epicentre include Hutapanjang and Kunyit. This follows a magnitude 7.6 earthquake which hit Sumatra yesterday.
September 2009
30.09.2009 Indonesia - Major Earthquake 7.6
Today at 10:16 UTC (05:16 pm local time at epicenter) a major earthquake of magnitude 7.6 and depth 80 km occurred 45 km offshore from Padang
in the highly populated region of Sumatera Barat in Indonesia.
45 km (30 miles) WNW of Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia
220 km (140 miles) SW of Pekanbaru, Sumatra, Indonesia
475 km (295 miles) SSW of KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia
960 km (600 miles) NW of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia
A significant tsunami was not generated with a wave height of 0.27 m measured at Padang.
28.09.2009 Indonesia - Volcanic Activity at Dieng Plateau
A phreatic explosion occurred at Sileri crater, Dieng volcano, Indonesia on evening 26-27 September 2009. The eruption lasted for 15 seconds. Between 1-19 September there were 2 volcanic earthquakes, 20-23 September 1 volcanic earthquake, 24th September 1 volcanic earthquake, no volcanic earthquakes on 25-26 September. The explosion was heard at a distance of 2 km from the crater. During the phreatic eruption, mud was ejected to a radius of 140 m. Temperature of water in Kawah Sileri remained fairly constant at about 70 deg C. There was no emissions of toxic gas at the eruption site and surroundings. The alert level at the volcano remains at "Normal". No evacuations were ordered. People are advised to stay at least 500 m away from the craters Sileri, Sinila, Timbang, Siglagah, and Sikidang. The last eruption at Dieng volcano occurred at Kawah Sibanteng on 15th January 2009.
Geologic Summary: The Dieng plateau in the highlands of central Java is renowned both for the variety of its volcanic scenery and as a sacred area housing Java's oldest Hindu temples, dating back to the 9th century AD. The Dieng volcanic complex consists of two or more stratovolcanoes and more than 20 small craters and cones of Pleistocene-to-Holocene age over a 6 x 14 km area. Prahu stratovolcano was truncated by a large Pleistocene caldera, which was subsequently filled by a series of dissected to youthful cones, lava domes, and craters, many containing lakes. Lava flows cover much of the plateau, but have not occurred in historical time, when activity has been restricted to minor phreatic eruptions. Toxic volcanic gas emission has caused fatalities and is a hazard at several craters. The abundant thermal features that dot the plateau and high heat flow make Dieng a major geothermal prospect.
19.09.2009 Indonesia - Rabies (Bali)
Last week, a man was taken to hospital after eating a spicy Balinese-style pork sausage that had been covered in poison to kill dogs suspected of having rabies. The victim was found unconscious at his home in Banjar Dukuh, Penebei. He was admitted to Hospital. A member of the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association said, these baits are intended to depopulate stray (not only rabid) dogs and cats, and usually all dog and cat owners have been warned before the district livestock services people install the baits. In Indonesia they usually use strychnine to poison stray cats and dogs (mediScon: It is nice to know that the neighborhoods have been warned so there can be an effort to keep pets from eating the baits. While it is understandable that stray populations need to be controlled, strychnine is nevertheless not a recommended method of euthanasia).
03.09.2009 Indonesia - Avian Influenza H5N1 (Update)
Indonesia continues to report a high number of H5N1 HPAI outbreaks in poultry, as it has for the past 3 years. HPAI is endemic on Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi and probably Bali islands, with sporadic outbreaks reported elsewhere. Village prevalence varies widely. Only 2 of its 33 provinces have not reported the occurrence of H5N1 HPAI.
02.09.2009 Indonesia (Java) - Major Earthquake
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit 180 km SSE of Jakarta, Indonesia today 2nd Sept 2:55 pm local time. A tsunami watch was later cancelled. Volcanoes within 100 km of the epicentre include Galunggung, Guntur, Papandayan, Patuha, and Talagabodas.
August 2009
18.08.2009 Indonesia - Activity at TALANG Volcano
Yesterday, the Alert level increased to 3 (Siaga) at Talang volcano. This follows a series of tectonic earthquakes in Mentawai, 130 km SSW on 16th August, and an increase in tremor at the volcano.
Geologic Summary: Talang, which forms a twin volcano with the extinct Pasar Arbaa volcano, lies ESE of the major city of Padang and rises NW of Dibawah Lake. Talang has two crater lakes on its flanks; the largest of these is 1 x 2 km wide Danau Talang. Most historical eruptions have not occurred from the summit of the volcano, which lacks a crater. Historical eruptions from Gunung Talang volcano have mostly involved small-to-moderate explosive activity first documented in the 19th century that originated from a series of small craters in a valley on the upper NE flank.
16.08.2009 Indonesia - Strong Earthquake
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, today at 2:38 pm local time at epicentre. The epicentre was located 130 km SW of Talang Volcano. Talang volcano last erupted in early 2005 following the great sumatran earthquake in late 2004.
06.08.2009 Indonesia - Activity at IBU Volcano
Seismic activity and eruptions have increased at Ibu volcano in Indonesia. Since mid July 2009, between 20 and 37 eruption earthquakes were recorded daily. This increased to 82 events on 4th August. Between 15th July and 4th August, eruptions produced a white-grey plume which rose 400 m above the summit. A lava dome continues to grow and can be seen from the village of Duono. Incandescent material is visible during some eruptions. The alert level at Ibu volcano was raised from Waspada (level II) to SIAGA (level III) on 5th August 2009. A 2 km exclusion zone is in place around the crater.
Geologic Summary: The truncated summit of Gunung Ibu stratovolcano along the NW coast of Halmahera Island has large nested summit craters. The inner crater, 1 km wide and 400 m deep, contained several small crater lakes through much of historical time. The outer crater, 1.2 km wide, is breached on the north side, creating a steep-walled valley. A large parasitic cone is located ENE of the summit. A smaller one to the WSW has fed a lava flow down the western flank. A group of maars is located below the northern and western flanks of the volcano. Only a few eruptions have been recorded from Ibu in historical time, the first a small explosive eruption from the summit crater in 1911. An eruption producing a lava dome that eventually covered much of the floor of the inner summit crater began in December 1998.
July 2009
30.07.2009 Indonesia (Komba Island) - BATU TARA Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 23 July an ash plume from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km W. On 27 and 28 July, ash plumes rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far away as 150 km NW.
Geologic Summary: The small isolated island of Batu Tara in the Flores Sea about 50 km north of Lembata (formerly Lomblen) Island contains a scarp on the eastern side similar to the Sciara del Fuoco of Italy's Stromboli volcano. Vegetation covers the flanks of Batu Tara to within 50 m of the 748-m-high summit. Batu Tara lies north of the main volcanic arc and is noted for its potassic leucite-bearing basanitic and tephritic rocks. The first historical eruption from Batu Tara, during 1847-52, produced explosions and a lava flow.
24.07.2009 Indonesia (Flores Island) - Egon Volcano
Volcanic Activity
The Alert Level for Egon was lowered to 1 (on a scale of 1-4) on 16 July due to the continued decrease in earthquake activity since 12 May. Small steam plumes were occasionally visible when the weather was clear.
Geologic Summary: Gunung Egon volcano sits astride the narrow waist of eastern Flores Island. The barren, sparsely vegetated summit region has a 350-m-wide, 200-m-deep crater that sometimes contains a lake. Other small crater lakes occur on the flanks of the 1,703-m-high volcano. A lava dome forms the southern 1,671-m-high summit. Reports of historical eruptive activity are inconclusive. A column of "smoke" was often observed above the summit during 1888-1891 and in 1892. Strong "smoke" emission in 1907 reported by Sapper (1917) was considered by the Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World (Neumann van Padang, 1951) to be an historical eruption, but Kemmerling (1929) noted that this was likely confused with an eruption on the same date and time from Lewotobi Lakilaki volcano.
23.07.2009 Saudi Arab - Restrictions on Hajj
Arab health ministers agreed yesterday, to ban certain people including the elderly and young children from pilgrimage to Mecca in an effort to contain the spread of swine flu. "Hajj and umrah will continue with some conditions," Ibrahim al-Kerdani, World Health Organisation spokesman in Egypt, said after a meeting of Arab health ministers in Cairo.
"Some groups will be excluded from hajj: people over the age of 65, people under the age of 12 and people with chronic illnesses," he told reporters. The decision to keep the vulnerable groups away from the pilgrimage is yet to be ratified by the health ministers' governments, he said. Hussein Gezairi, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean region, predicted that Riyadh would ratify the recommendations, adding there was a "consensus" among the health ministers at the meeting. "The Saudi government will make these conditions a requirement... No one will get their visa unless these requirements are fulfilled," he said. Saudi Health Minister Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Rabeeah said the conservative kingdom would not restrict the number of visas it issues for pilgrims.
As well as the annual hajj, which all Muslims are required to make once in a lifetime if they have the means, the faithful can also make a lesser pilgrimage to the holy places, known as "Umrah", at any time of the year. Upwards of two million people are expected in Saudi Arabia over the next five months on pilgrimages to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina in the west of the kingdom.
On Monday, Egypt became the latest country to warn vulnerable Muslims against pilgrimage to Mecca, after an Egyptian woman back from Saudi Arabia became the first swine flu death in the Middle East and Africa. Egyptian health officials have said all returning pilgrims will be quarantined.
In Iran, a health ministry official on Tuesday repeated calls for elderly Iranians and children to avoid travelling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage as the number of confirmed swine flu cases in the Islamic republic rose to 16.
Saudi Arabia in June warned elderly Muslims and pregnant women against undertaking the hajj because of the threat of swine flu. Oman issued a similar warning on July 6.
Tunisia earlier this month suspended umrah pilgrimages because of the virus, while reserving judgement on whether the main hajj pilgrimage should be undertaken in November.
11.07.2009 Hong Kong/exIndonesia - Typhoid Fever
The Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong urges travellers to Indonesia to guard against typhoid fever due rising cases of the disease in people arriving from the country recently. The number of cases reported to the centre for 2009 in April, May and June were 3, 8 and 12. 4 have been received so far in July 2009. 21 of them stayed in Indonesia during the incubation period, 15 were in Surabaya (the capital of the province of East Java) before coming to Hong Kong. 38 cases have been reported so far in 2009, equaling the total number of cases in 2008.
10.07.2009 Indonesia - Diarrhea
Yesterday the Alor regency administration in East Nusa Tenggara declared an emergency situation after 5 residents died of diarrhea in West Kalondama village in the past 4 days. A healthcare team was sent to the village to prevent the disease from spreading to neighboring villages. At least 17 residents suffered from diarrhea, 5 of whom died.
01.07.2007 Indonesia - Batu Tara
Volcanic Activity
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 25-30 June 2009 ash plumes from Batu Tara rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 35-130 km SW, W, and NW.
Geologic Summary. The small isolated island of Batu Tara in the Flores Sea about 50 km north of Lembata (formerly Lomblen) Island contains a scarp on the eastern side similar to the Sciara del Fuoco of Italy's Stromboli volcano. Vegetation covers the flanks of Batu Tara to within 50 m of the 748-m-high summit. Batu Tara lies north of the main volcanic arc and is noted for its potassic leucite-bearing basanitic and tephritic rocks. The first historical eruption from Batu Tara, during 1847-52, produced explosions and a lava flow.
June 2009
22.06.2009 Indonesia/Lombok - Rinjani Volcano
Ongoing Volcanic Activity
Based on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 21 June ash plumes from Rinjani rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 55 km N.
Geologic Summary: Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3,726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the E, but the W side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230-m-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the E end of the caldera. Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to 1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and consist of moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lake.
17.06.2009 Indonesia/Lombok - Rinjani Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Base on analysis of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-12 and 16 June ash plumes from Rinjani rose to an altitude of 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 15-55 km W and WSW.
Geologic Summary: Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3,726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the E, but the W side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230-m-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the E end of the caldera. Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to 1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and consist of moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lake.
12.06.2009 Indonesia - Anthrax
In the South Sulawesi town of Gowa 11 people receiving special treatment for suspected anthrax infection. The Moncongleo villagers were owners of 19 cattle that were killed by anthrax last week. The people displayed symptoms of the disease, including fever and nausea. The local community health center has distributed antibiotics to 349 residents of the village. The center has now opened 24 hours a day to provide free medical care to the local people in the wake of the anthrax infection cases.Gowa is an anthrax-endemic region outside the provincial capital of Makassar.
06.06.2009 Indonesia/NTT - Sangeang Volcano
Volcanic Activity
There has been an increase in activity at Sangeang volcano in Indonesia, with increasing numbers of volcanic earthquakes and tremor. White emissions are visible rising 25 m above the summit. The alert status of Sangeang Api Volcano has been raised from normal to Waspada (Level II).
Geologic Summary: Sangeang Api volcano, one of the most active in the Lesser Sunda Islands, forms a small 13-km-wide island off the NE coast of Sumbawa Island. Two large trachybasaltic-to-tranchyandesitic volcanic cones, 1949-m-high Doro Api and 1795-m-high Doro Mantoi, were constructed in the center and on the eastern rim, respectively, of an older, largely obscured caldera. Flank vents occur on the south side of Doro Mantoi and near the northern coast. Intermittent historical eruptions have been recorded since 1512, most of them during in the 20th century.
01.06.2009 Indonesia - Karangetang Volcano
Volcanic Activity
An eruption occurred at Karangetang volcano, Indonesia on 31st May. Hundreds of people have been evacuated from near the volcano, due to fears of pyroclastic flows. The volcano is located at the northern end of Siau island, north of Sulawesi.
Geologic Summary: Karangetang (also known as Api Siau) lies at the northern end of the island of Siau, N of Sulawesi, and contains five summit craters strung along a N-S line. One of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, Karangetang has had more than 40 recorded eruptions since 1675. Twentieth-century eruptions have included frequent explosions, sometimes accompanied by pyroclastic flows and lahars.
May 2009
06.05.2009 Indonesia - Krakatau Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Eruptions are continuing at Krakatau volcano in Indonesia from a crater on the SW side of the cone. A volcanic ash advisory from Darwin VAAC reported ash to 10,000 drifting NW of the volcano. Today the level of alert at Krakatau was raised from Waspada (Level 2) to Siaga (Level 3), out of a maximum level 4. A renewed period of eruptions began at Krakatau on 19th March 2009, when 19 explosions were recorded. Between 1-25 April 2009 there have been 4060 explosions. Number of explosion earthquakes measured are 30 April 229, 1 May 324, 2 May 318, 3 May 250, 4 May 403, 5 May 371, and 6 May 132 (until midday). Shallow volcanic earthquakes, and tremor have been recorded. Visual observations from Rajabasa District in Sumatra in April reported ash emissions from 50-1000 m above the summit. From 1-24 April booming noises were heard from Sumatra 174 times, 83 times from 25-29 April. No sounds were heard between 30th April and 6th May. Incandescent material and ash are being emitted to a radius of 500 m from the crater. Pyroclastic flows may reach a distance of 700 m from the crater. Ash is falling 5 km from the volcano. Requests from the Indonesian Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation request people stay at least 2 km from the volcano. Local communities are still allowed to fish outside the 2 km danger zone radius. Communities in the coastal province of Banten and Lampung are requested to remain calm and not fear a tsunami.
Geologic Summary: The renowned volcano Krakatau (frequently misstated as Krakatoa) lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Collapse of the ancestral Krakatau edifice, perhaps in 416 AD, formed a 7-km-wide caldera. Remnants of this ancestral volcano are preserved in Verlaten and Lang Islands; subsequently Rakata, Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes were formed, coalescing to create the pre-1883 Krakatau Island. Caldera collapse during the catastrophic 1883 eruption destroyed Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes, and left only a remnant of Rakata volcano. This eruption, the 2nd largest in Indonesia during historical time, caused more than 36,000 fatalities, most as a result of devastating tsunamis that swept the adjacent coastlines of Sumatra and Java. Pyroclastic surges traveled 40 km across the Sunda Strait and reached the Sumatra coast. After a quiescence of less than a half century, the post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) was constructed within the 1883 caldera at a point between the former cones of Danan and Perbuwatan. Anak Krakatau has been the site of frequent eruptions since 1927.
02.05.2009 Indonesia/Lombok - Rinjani Volcano
Volcanic Activity
An increase in seismic activity has been reported at Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok. On 2nd May there were three explosion earthquakes recorded. A white plume was emitted 1000 m above the eruption point. The alert level at the volcano has been raised from Normal (Level I) to Waspada (Level II). The summit has been closed to climbers. Residents need to beware of lahars.
Geologic Summary: Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the east, but the west side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230-m-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the east end of the caldera. Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to 1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and consist of moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lake.
01.05.2009 Indonesia/Lombok - Cholera
The West Nusa Tenggara Health Office has declared a cholera outbreak, which has killed 2 residents and infected 255 others in East Lombok regency. The cholera outbreak was recorded to have infected residents in 5 of the 20 districts in the regency since 14 Apr 2009. The 5 districts affected by the disease are located along the same river below Mt Rinjani. The habit of the people to take a bath, cook and wash kitchen utensils in the river has apparently help speed up the spread of the disease.
April 2009
24.04.2009 Indonesia - Slamet Volcano
Volcanic Eruption
Slamet volcano in Indonesia has begun erupting this week. The number of explosion earthquakes detected were 49 on 19th April, 97 on 20th April, 163 on 22nd April, and 52 yesterday. Emissions were visible rising 800 m above the summit. Slamet volcano was raised to level 3 alert (Siaga), and the summit has been closed to climbers.
Geologic Summary: Slamet volcano, Java's second highest volcano at 3428 m and one of its most active, has a cluster of about three dozen cinder cones on its lower SE-NE flanks and a single cinder cone on the western flank. Slamet is composed of two overlapping edifices, an older basaltic-andesite to andesitic volcano on the west and a younger basaltic to basaltic-andesite one on the east. Gunung Malang II cinder cone on the upper eastern flank on the younger edifice fed a lava flow that extends 6 km to the east. Four craters occur at the summit of Gunung Slamet, with activity migrating to the SW over time.
21.04.2009 Indonesia - Slamet Volcano
Volcanic Activity
An increased number of earthquakes have been recorded at Slamet volcano in Indonesia. Brown plumes were observed rising 50 m above the summit. The summit area has been closed to climbers. Today, Slamet volcano was raised to level 2 alert (Waspada).
Geologic Summary: Slamet volcano, Java's second highest volcano at 3428 m and one of its most active, has a cluster of about three dozen cinder cones on its lower SE-NE flanks and a single cinder cone on the western flank. Slamet is composed of two overlapping edifices, an older basaltic-andesite to andesitic volcano on the west and a younger basaltic to basaltic-andesite one on the east. Gunung Malang II cinder cone on the upper eastern flank on the younger edifice fed a lava flow that extends 6 km to the east. Four craters occur at the summit of Gunung Slamet, with activity migrating to the SW over time.
19.04.2009 Indonesia - Chikungunya
In only 3 days 41 residents in the Pangkalberas District (southern Sumatra) fell ill with fever due to chikungunya virus infection. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.
01.04.2009 Indonesia - Rabies on Bali (Update)
Rabies on Bali has claimed one more life. A 46-year-old woman was admitted to the Sanglah Hospital in the early hours of last Thursday (26 March 2009) and died 17 hours later, in the late afternoon of the same day. She was admitted to hospital after developing a phobia for water. She was reportedly bitten by both a stray dog and a pet dog 5 months ago, but due to a fear of needles refused the recommended series of post exposure vaccination that would have spared her life. This is the 9th fatal rabies case on the island of Bali since November 2008. Anyone bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey or cat on Bali should see a doctor immediately. Those who are planning to travel to the island should avoid direct contact with animals while on the island.
Maret 2009
31.03.2009 Indonesia - Avian Influenza (Human)
A two-year old boy, who has been treated for a suspected case of bird flu, died in isolation in Pekanbaru, Riau, yesterday. A member of the hospital’s bird flu handling team said that the boy had trouble breathing and lost consciousness before dying. It was further reported that the boy’s condition was relatively stable, but quickly deteriorated during the evening of the same day. The child was admitted as a bird flu suspect last week Friday. Reports state, however, that the hospital has yet to announce whether the boy died of bird flu, as it is still waiting for the result of nasal and throat swab tests form the Health Ministry’s laboratory in Jakarta.
30.03.2009 Indonesia - Anak Krakatau Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Activity has increased at Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia. Between 19-23 March 2009, an average of 6 shallow volcanic earthquakes were measured per day, compared to 2 per day over the past year. On 24th March, 31 shallow volcanic earthquakes were measured, and 62 earthquakes on 25th March, when visual observations showed white-gray emissions rising 400 m above the crater. Anak Krakatau remains at level 2 alert (waspada). A 1 km exclusion zone has been placed around the crater of Anak Krakatau. Locals have been advised that fishing is still permitted around the island.
Geologic Summary: The renowned volcano Krakatau (frequently misstated as Krakatoa) lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Collapse of the ancestral Krakatau edifice, perhaps in 416 AD, formed a 7-km-wide caldera. Remnants of this ancestral volcano are preserved in Verlaten and Lang Islands; subsequently Rakata, Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes were formed, coalescing to create the pre-1883 Krakatau Island. Caldera collapse during the catastrophic 1883 eruption destroyed Danan and Perbuwatan volcanoes, and left only a remnant of Rakata volcano. This eruption, the 2nd largest in Indonesia during historical time, caused more than 36,000 fatalities, most as a result of devastating tsunamis that swept the adjacent coastlines of Sumatra and Java. Pyroclastic surges traveled 40 km across the Sunda Strait and reached the Sumatra coast. After a quiescence of less than a half century, the post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) was constructed within the 1883 caldera at a point between the former cones of Danan and Perbuwatan. Anak Krakatau has been the site of frequent eruptions since 1927.
27.03.2009 Indonesia - Rabies on Bali (Update)
Last Monday (23.03.2009), the 8th victim of rabies died on Bali. The 46-year-old man, died on Monday afternoon after being treated at the Sanglah General Hospital in Denpasar since Sunday morning. The victim was bitten in November 2008 and was a resident of Pecatu, South Kuta district, which had been declared a rabies-infected area by the Bali provincial administration late last year. The previous 7 victims died after being bitten by rabid dogs. The 1st victim was a 4-year-old child, other victims were 2 adults aged 32, an adult aged 45, and 2 children aged 3 and another aged 5. Ironically, the 46-year-old man had received 2 anti-rabies vaccinations (VARs) after being bitten by a rabid dog. The 1st shot was given on 27 Nov 2008. Unfortunately, he did not continue with the 3rd and 4th vaccinations after he felt much better. A complete anti-rabies vaccination is mandatory(A 2 time separated injected doses of rabies vaccine post-exposure is the regimen for individuals who have undergone pre-exposure vaccination. The regimen otherwise, for previously unimmunised individuals, is 5 time separated injected doses, with rabies immunoglobulin along with the 1st dose of rabies vaccine).
Meanwhile, the Badung Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Maritime Agency is finding it difficult to administer the booster vaccinations for dogs, scheduled for April 2009.
24.03.2009 Indonesia - Chikungunya
The local health agency in Banyumas regency (Central Java) has diagnosed around 200 residents from villages in 3 districts as being infected with the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus. Around 100 of them were from Sumpiuh district, and the rest from Somagede and Kemranjen districts, all bordering each other.
07.03. 2009 Indonesia/Java - Semeru Volcano
Volcanic Activity
Increased activity has been reported at Semeru volcano in Indonesia. Between 6th February and 4th March 2009 there were 873 explosion earthquakes registered, with an average of 34 events per day. On 5th March there was one period of tremor recorded. On 6th March one episode of tremor was recorded accompanied by booming sounds which were heard at Semeru observatory. On 6th March at 10:28 hr a booming noise was heard while the summit was covered in cloud. Semeru is at level 2 alert (Waspada) out of a maximum of 4. Explosions occur at an interval of 20-30 minutes, with ash emissions 100-400 m above Jonggring Seloko crater. So far the current eruptions have not been accompanied by pyroclastic flows, but this remains a danger. Areas which may be affected by pyroclastic flows include inhabited areas of Rowo Baung, Supit, Pronojiwo, Urip, and Umbulandi Urang Supit. Rowo Baung and Supit are the nearest villages to the eruptive centre, 9 km from the peak of Gunung Semeru. There is a potential threat to sand mining activities at Supit and Rowo Baung. Recommendations from the Indonesian Centre of Volcanology and Geology are that people avoid the area 4 km SE of the active crater due to the threat of pyroclastic flows. People are advised not to climb to the summit peak (Mahameru). Residents should prepare for possible ashfall. Aircraft should beware of explosion hazards, and ash emissions.
Geologic Summary: Semeru, the highest volcano on Java, and one of its most active, lies at the southern end of a volcanic massif extending north to the Tengger caldera. The steep-sided volcano, also referred to as Mahameru (Great Mountain), rises abruptly to 3676 m above coastal plains to the south. Frequent 19th and 20th century eruptions were dominated by small-to-moderate explosions from the summit crater, with occasional lava flows and larger explosive eruptions accompanied by pyroclastic flows that have reached the lower flanks of the volcano. Semeru has been in almost continuous eruption since 1967.
03.03.2009 Indonesia - Avian Influenza (Human)
Four Indonesians have died of bird flu, bringing the death toll in the country hardest hit by the disease to 119, an official said today. The chief of the National Bird Flu Commission in Indonesia said all the victims were believed to have been infected after coming into contact with sick poultry. They were from Java island and died in January and February. He had little details about the latest deaths, saying only that two were siblings from the city of Bogor and the others were women from Bekasi and Surabaya. Indonesia, which has been criticized in recent months for refusing to immediately make public news of human deaths and in some cases hushing them up all together, has been worst affected by bird flu since it started ravaging Asian poultry stocks in late 2003. It accounts for nearly half the 256 human fatalities tallied worldwide.
03.03.2009 Indonesia - Chikungunya on Bali
Local health authorities confirmed yesterday that residents of Pecatu, South Kuta district (in Badung regency on Bali), who were suffering from the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) had increased to 63 people, although their conditions are improving. A medical team is exterminating mosquitoes and their breding grounds using mobile ultra-low volume (ULV) devices able to spray insecticide over a 200-meter radius. The exercise will continue until tomorrow. Dozens of villagers in Suluban hamlet have showed CHIKV-like symptoms, including high fever, headaches, flu, pain in body joints and difficulty. Spread by mosquitoes, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.
Februari 2009
01.02.2009 Indonesia - Rabies on Bali (Update)
The authorities in Bali are battling the rabies outbreak that has spread across the island and is threatening its tourism industry. The 1st cases were reported in Denpasar and Badung districts last November (2008), but in January 2009 it spread to Kuta, one of the main tourist resorts. Since the beginning of January 2009, the number of infected people has increased from a "handful" a week to at least 10 a day, hospital staff on Bali said. A total of 6 deaths have been reported. More than 24.000 pet dogs have been vaccinated, while more than 1.000 strays have been culled. "It could be that in the past few months there were a number of cases that weren't reported," the director of services at Sanglah Hospital said.
Januari 2009
23.01.2009 Indonesia - Wurlali Volcano
Strong Earthquake
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit Wurlali volcano today at 5:16 am, local time. The earthquake epicentre was located 7 km south of Damar Island, and the focus was at 141 km depth. Wurlali Volcano is located on Damar Island, Indonesia, 375 km NE of Dili, East Timor.
Geologic Summary: Wurlali volcano (also known as Damar) is part of Indoneisia's Banda Island chain. The 868-m-high stratovolcano was formed in the northern part of a 5-km-wide caldera, and has twin summit craters. During historical time only a single explosive eruption occurred, in 1892 from the summit crater.
21.01.2009 Indonesia - Avian Influenza (Human)
Two Indonesians have died of bird flu, apparently after contact with sick chickens, raising the country's death toll to 115, the Health Ministry in Indonesia said today. A ministry statement said a six-year-old girl in Bekasi, West Java, died on Jan. 2. She got sick after buying a chicken with her parents at a market and was hospitalized for a week. A 29-year-old woman died on Dec. 16 in Tangerang just outside the capital, Jakarta. She developed flu-like symptoms after visiting a market and died in a hospital five days later. Double laboratory testing confirmed they had the H5N1 strain of avian influenza.
20.01.2009 Indonesia - Dengue
The local health Department in the Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, reported a dengue fever outbreak. The data of the local Health Service showed hundreds of residents became infected with dengue. Moreover, 3 children died. At least 17 subdistricts in the Bone Regency are affected by dengue fever illness. The most serious subdistricts were Lappariaja, Cenrana, Dua Boccoe, Tellu Siattinge, and Barebbo. Spread by the daytime biting aedes aegypti mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.
16.01.2009 Indonesia/Java - Dieng Plateau
Volcanic Activity
Yesterday, Dieng volcano on Java has been raised from level I to II alert (out of maximum 4) after two phreatic eruptions. The eruptions occurred at Sibanteng crater at 0800 and 0830 hr local time. Material was ejected 50 m from the crater. There has not been any increase in toxic gas at the volcano. It is recommended that residents and tourists stay more than 300 m away from the craters.
Geologic Summary: The Dieng plateau in the highlands of central Java is renowned both for the variety of its volcanic scenery and as a sacred area housing Java's oldest Hindu temples, dating back to the 9th century AD. The Dieng volcanic complex consists of two or more stratovolcanoes and more than 20 small craters and cones of Pleistocene-to-Holocene age over a 6 x 14 km area. Prahu stratovolcano was truncated by a large Pleistocene caldera, which was subsequently filled by a series of dissected to youthful cones, lava domes, and craters, many containing lakes. Lava flows cover much of the plateau, but have not occurred in historical time, when activity has been restricted to minor phreatic eruptions. Toxic volcanic gas emission has caused fatalities and is a hazard at several craters. The abundant thermal features that dot the plateau and high heat flow make Dieng a major geothermal prospect.
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Source: WHO, CDC, ISID, RKI, OIE, int. Press,...
These informations does not replace individual travel medicine advise as provided by your personal physician, health services, tropical medicine institutes or yellow fever vaccination centers.
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