Jakarta. Indonesia’s Geological Agency has ruled out a common geological process behind the simultaneous eruptions of six volcanoes on Aug. 31, saying the events were independent volcanic activity.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) said there was no evidence that the six volcanoes had triggered one another or that their eruptions were caused by a single geological process.

The volcanoes that erupted within a similar period were Mount Ibu in North Maluku, Mount Semeru in East Java, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki and Mount Ili Lewotolok in East Nusa Tenggara, Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, and Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra.

PVMBG chief Rita Susilawati said Indonesia’s location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its 127 active volcanoes made it possible for several volcanoes to erupt on the same day without being systematically connected.

“Simply put, each volcano has its own magma chamber, and the processes leading to an eruption are also different from one volcano to another,” Rita said at the Geological Agency complex in Bandung on Wednesday, as quoted by Antara.

“We found no evidence of a single geological process that triggered all of these eruptions simultaneously on Aug. 31,” she said.

Rita also clarified the relationship between earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, saying tectonic earthquakes do not automatically trigger volcanic eruptions.

Any connection must be established through monitoring data from individual volcanoes, including increases in deep volcanic earthquakes, deformation of the volcanic body, temperature changes and changes in gas emissions, she said.

The occurrence of eruptions at several volcanoes within a short period therefore cannot automatically be attributed to a single earthquake or geological process.

PVMBG raised Sinabung’s alert level from Level II, or Alert, to Level III, or Standby, at noon on Aug. 31 after the volcano sent an ash column about 3,500 meters above its summit.

PVMBG advised residents and visitors not to enter the danger zone, particularly within 3 kilometers of the summit and within 6 kilometers of the southeastern sector.

People living near rivers originating from Mount Sinabung were also urged to remain alert for potential rain-triggered lahars.

Meanwhile, Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait remains at Level III, or Standby. The status has been in effect since July 2.

On Aug. 31, Anak Krakatau erupted again, sending an ash column approximately 200 meters above its summit.

The eruption raised concerns among coastal communities in Banten and Lampung over the potential for a tsunami.

PVMBG, however, urged the public not to panic, stressing that a volcanic eruption does not automatically cause a tsunami.

Residents were advised to rely on official information and recommendations from PVMBG and other relevant authorities for updates on volcanic activity and potential hazards.

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