Thousands Flee After Indonesian Volcano Erupts After 400 Years

Two people are dead and thousands have been evacuated after Indonesia's long-dormant Mount Sinabung erupted. This is the first time the volcano on Sumatra has erupted in 400 years and vulcanologists were caught off guard, reports Reuters.

Two people died, one from breathing problems and the other from a heart attack, and two suffered injuries in road accidents as trucks, ambulances and buses were mobilized in the rescue operation. "This is the first time since 1600 that Sinabung has erupted and we have little knowledge in terms on its eruptive patterns," said Surono, head of Indonesia's vulcanology center. Authorities took at least 12,000 people from high risk areas on the slopes of the 2,460-meter volcano to temporary shelters. Local TV showed showed women and children wearing face masks in cramped tents. "Since this is the first eruption we've had in Sinabung, we're anticipating residents to remain at the shelters for at least a week while waiting for further status alert," said Priyadi Kardono, a spokesman at the national disaster management agency.

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago and is on the so-called "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and faults encircling the Pacific Basin. A strong volcanic quake was felt last night, an Indonesian Red Cross tells CNN. "After that, the crater of Mount Sinabung spewed glowing lava. And trees in the mount slopes were burnt. It was followed by thick clouds."

Investigators say no hazardous gas hasbeen detected and "a large, destructive eruption is unlikely." The nearest large city is Medan and where there has been no disruptions to flights so far. Watch raw video and a news report WHEN YOU JUMP ...

Comments

[Honut Sinti]

Mother Nature seems to be at end her rope. She has taken off her earrings and is working this planet over.

[Dwjazzlover]

So true...