Perilous Times
Volcano quiet for 400 years erupts in Indonesia
The Associated Press
Saturday, August 28, 2010; 11:50 PM
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- A volcano in western Indonesia spewed hot lava
and sand high into the sky early Sunday in its first eruption in 400
years.
Government volcanologist Surono, who uses only one name, said Mount
Sinabung in North Sumatra province started rumbling a few days ago and
the minor morning eruption has mostly stopped.
It sent sand and ash up to 1.5 kilometers high but lava only moved near
the crater. It caused no major damage "but only dust covered plants and
trees," he said.
He said Mount Sinabung last erupted in 1600, so observers don't know
the volcano's eruption pattern and are monitoring it closely for more
activity.
Evacuations on the volcano's slopes started Friday at the first signs
of activity. Up to 10,000 people who fled are staying in government
buildings, houses of worship and other evacuation centers in two nearby
towns.
Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, is on the so-called "Ring
of Fire," an arc of volcanos and fault lines encircling the Pacific
Basin.