In Indonesia on Saturday, May 21, Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra province erupted. The National Disaster Management Agency reported that the volcanic ash went as high as 2 miles into the sky. The temperature around the area was around 1,700C.
On Sunday the death toll rose to seven, with others severely burned, two of whom suffer burns to 90% of their body. Officials have also been warning of more eruptions. The victims had been working on their farms, which was 2.5 miles away, and within the danger area. The surrounding area up to 7.5 miles was destroyed, homes were scorched and animals incinerated.
On site were rescuers which included soldiers, police, and other disaster combat personnel, along with them also included volunteers and villagers. Agustatius Sitepu who is the head of the local military in Karo district, stated that “There were only a few dozen. They were terrified and covered in ash.”
The search was halted after the danger zone was cleared. They wanted it cleared because there was still a danger of further eruptions, due to the volcanic activity still being too high. Villagers attempted to go back on Sunday and retrieve items but were not given permission by security personnel. However, many have returned to the village since, despite warnings, because they needed to return in order to get back to work.
Mount Sinaburg for the past four centuries had been dormant. It revived first in 2010, killing two people, then in 2014 killing 16 people. The province has been experiencing a lot of activity lately. The U.S. Geological Service stated that there was also a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on the southwestern coast back in March.
The country has more than 120 active volcanoes, due to its location on of the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” This curved shape area in which volcanoes and fault lines surround the Pacific Basin. Which leads there to be more seismic activity and prone to these disasters.
As fresh graves are being dug, hopefully the locals will take more precautionary measures, and we will continue to keep you updated.
