Posted on 05/04/2006 1:23:43 AM PDT by bd476
May 4, 3:30 AM (ET)
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Red-hot lava began flowing from the crater of Indonesia's rumbling volcano Mount Merapi early Thursday as vulcanologists warned residents an eruption may be imminent.
Burning streams of molten lava started pouring down the slopes at about 2 a.m. local time, said Subandriyo, the chief of Merapi's Volcanology and Monitoring offices, who goes by a single name.
Residents still near the 9,700-foot peak were urged to leave immediately, even though officials said they were not yet raising the alert to the highest level.
"The volcano has shown significantly more activity," Subandriyo said.
Merapi is one of at least 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia, part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" - a series of fault lines stretching from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and Southeast Asia.
It last erupted in 1994, sending out a searing cloud of gas that burned 60 people to death. About 1,300 people were killed when it erupted in 1930.
Villagers on a truck return home as Mount Merapi is seen in the background at Deles village in Klaten, Central Java, Indonesia, Saturday, April 29, 2006. Red-hot lava began flowing from the crater of Indonesia's rumbling volcano Mount Merapi early Thursday May 4, 2006 as vulcanologists warned residents an eruption may be imminent. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Do muslims through women into volcanos? Just wondering...
Throw
I think it's time to leave for all those folks out there...
When the lava starts, you can count me GONE.
Still, I'm sure there are some who will think, "Oh, lava flows happen every day all over the world. No biggie..." But as for me and my house, we are outta here when molten rock starts to roll down the slopes.
I pray for the people of Indonesia. They have truly needed it, whether or not they want it...
I climbed Mt. Merapi in April of 2001, a month after it had a spectacular eruption.
I've also been on the lava tube as lava poured out of it on the summit of Mt. Etna.
The power of things like volcanoes (and earthquakes, hurricanes, etc) absolutely dwarf mankind and we kid ourselves if we think we have any real impact on our world (hint:global warming).
That's true, Dandelion. When the lava starts flowing, it's time to exit as quickly and safely as possible. Prayers for the people near the volcano.
how high is that?
;-)
9,548 feet (2,911 meters)
Oh sooooo you are the reason we have had volcanic burps...didn't you toss a Virgin into the thang when you scaled it..
Serious...Must have been one heck of a hike...what a great accomplishment.
I am a micro mountain hiker...40 minutes in and 40 minutes out...but it is uncharted terrain other than my silk nursing tape to mark the trail so I don't get lost.
Hey BD the aftershocks and other Global activity is rather quiet.
THe tide was extremly low here today so I got to play a bit in the stuff with gloves as the bacteria levels are at a high level.
The slice of the Moon is breath taking tonight.
Merapi Volcano, Java, Indonesia Ping.
Your mountain climbing hikes sound like fun, Global.
I'm happy the earthquake areas are quiet now. Hope they stay that way. I was looking at two African quakes yesterday in an area which is not usually very active.
No worries though, Americans will most likely be the first group to volunteer to help rebuild their villages, feed their children, build them a hospital and waste management system, then launch a satellite with wireless video services and provide free Nintendos to their kids to play while eating from the new McDonald's being built up the newly paved road.
Come to think of it, this is like winning the lotto for some of these nations...
I wonder if this increased activity is connected to the 8.0 Tonga earthquake that was reported yesterday. I think I will go look at the Augustine volcano page and check out their 24 hour seismographic chart and see if there was a tremor. Also the weekly volcano update page.
Great Link on the Hazards of the Maripo (sp)
Did I read it wrong or what sounds like a very heavy populated area in a small area.
Not to be stupid or maybe so as it is early/late but where was that Antartica 7.1 toot in reference to this small but Heugh Island eruption?
I still think Art Bellish we are going to have an underground burp here but as long as Alaska is passing gas every couple of hours I trust we won't have any movement...If Alaska goes dorment for more than 48 hours I am a heading to higher ground with Dark Chocolate, Red Wine *IMO is Gross but may be needed for medicinal shock treatments and all my 5 gal water jugs plus the survival gear.
Oh and the family too...
I'm back after visiting the Augustine Volcano page. They have a 24 hour seismic record you can click for a full page view of seismic activity. When you get that page it lists all 20 volcanos which are being monitored seismically. They said the Tonga quake occurred at 7:26:35 am AKDT. Almost all of the 20 seismic records had a more or less pronounced blip at 7:39 am. Some also recorded increased general build up of activity toward the end of the day. Some of the most interesting were Gareloi, Veniaminof, Martin, and Shishaldin. You can also go back to yesterday and 2 days ago to look at the 24 hour record.
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