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Table 1 Volcano alert level as developed in Indonesia and the linked community response (modified from Andreastuti et al. 2019)

From: Volcano disaster risk management during crisis: implementation of risk communication in Indonesia

Level of Volcanic Activity

Indication

Community Response

Frequency of report

Normal Level (I)

Visual observations and instrumental records show normal fluctuations and no change of activity. Hazards in the form of poisonous gas may be present near vents, depending on the volcano’s characteristic activity

Communities in Hazard Zones (HZs) I and II may carry out daily activities. Communities in HZ III may carry out daily activity as long as they are in compliance with regulatory requirements from local government according to the technical recommendation of the Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources

Monthly

Waspada Level (II, Advisory)

According to visual observations and instrumental records, there are indications of increasing volcanic activity

Communities in HZ I and II may carry out their normal activities, but must keep alert. For communities in HZ III it is recommended that they do not carry out daily activities in areas near summit craters or other vents

Biweekly

Siaga Level (III, Watch)

According to visual observations and instrumental records, there are prominent indications of increasing volcanic activity. Eruptions may take place, but do not threaten settlements and/or activities of communities near the volcano

Communities in HZ I should improve their awareness and must not carry out activities along river valleys that originate at or near the volcano’s summit

Communities in HZ II should start to prepare for evacuation and await an evacuation order from the local government according to the technical

recommendation of the Geological Agency, Ministry Energy and Mineral Resources. Community in HZ III are not permitted to carry out daily activities and should prepare to evacuate

Daily

Awas Level (IV, Warning)

According to visual observations and instrumental records, there are significant indications of ongoing volcanic activity, with eruptions that potentially threaten settlements and or communities around the volcano

Communities in HZ I, II, and III are to immediately to evacuate by the order of local government, according to technical

recommendation from Geological Agency, Ministry Energy and Mineral Resources

Every 6 h