On 2 August, CVGHM raised the Alert Level at Papandayan from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) due to increased activity at the volcano. During 15 July-1 August, the number of volcanic earthquakes increased. By 31 July, the temperatures of fumaroles had increased 10 degrees C above normal levels in Mas crater. Temperatures were 3.5 degrees C above normal levels in Balagadama crater since 26 June. On 1 August, a diffuse white plume rose to an altitude of 2.7 km (8,900 ft) a.s.l. Associated with the increase in Alert Level, villagers and tourists were not permitted within a 1 km radius of the active craters.

Geological Summary. Papandayan is a complex stratovolcano at the S end of a curved volcanic massif with Kendang volcano ~9 km away at the N end, Gunung Puntang ~3.5 km NNE, and Gunung Jaya ~6 km NNE. Several episodes of collapse have created an irregular profile and produced debris avalanches that have affected lowland areas. The summit area includes four large craters, including the 1.1-km-wide, flat-floored Alun-Alun crater. A sulfur-encrusted fumarole field occupies the active Kawah Mas ("Golden Crater"). The first reported eruption, in 1772 CE, included a collapse of the NE flank and a debris avalanche that destroyed 40 villages and killed almost 3,000 people. Smaller phreatic eruptions occurred during 1923-25, 1942, and 2002.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)