Indonesian Eruption Forces Evacuations

An eruption of Karangetang on August 28, 2007, forced more than 500 people to evacuate the volcano's slopes.

Hundreds of residents on Indonesia´s Siau Island, north of Sulawesi, were evacuated from their homes after Mount Karangetang spewed ash and other hot debris more than a mile from new craters.

The head of the Indonesian vulcanology agency said that the volcano has been increasing in activity for weeks.

“The mount has erupted and formed craters at its side and spewed black ash carrying hot material, which is very dangerous,” said Surono, who goes by a single name.

Karangetang’s last deadly eruption occurred in 1992, when at least six villagers perished.

Local authorities have also banned farming and other activities along the mountain’s slopes to prevent such fatalities while the volcano is in its current state of heightened activity.

In August 2007, the volcano produced explosions that prompted officials to order the evacuation of about 500 nearby residents.

Last December, Karangetang began to increase in activity again, but no evacuations were ordered.

Indonesia has 128 active volcanos, 65 of which are listed as dangerous.

Photo: Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation