Indonesia: Volcano eruption kills 13
An erupting volcano in Indonesia poured hot ash and searing clouds of hot gases into surrounding villages, killing at least 13 people.
Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most active volcano, began erupting late Tuesday, after days of rumbling and scientists’ warnings of a possible major explosion.
Thousands of villagers who lived on the volcano’s slopes fled as ash and hot air descended on them, but some left too late. Rescuers say they found at least 12 bodies of those who burned to death.
A two-month-old baby died of exposure to the volcanic material as his mother rushed to a hospital.
Indonesian authorities urged residents to evacuate, but only several thousand people – mostly children and the elderly – moved to makeshift shelters. Many people stayed to guard their homes and tend their livestock and crops.
Mount Merapi last erupted in 2006, killing two people. A similar eruption in 1994 killed at least 60 people, and a 1930 eruption killed 1,300.
VOA
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