Indonesian volcano prompts evacuations

Local and national officials estimated the number of evacuees at between 800 - 1,200 people, with damage reported to a home, a church and some bridges.

Photo: CNN/file

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: CNN | News
By Kathy Quiano, CNN | March 21, 2011

Jakarta, Indonesia (CNN) -- Up to 1,200 people have fled an active volcano in northern Indonesia, disaster officials said Monday.

The evacuations were made from two villages near Mount Karangetang, on Siau Island, the country's National Disaster Management Agency said.

Local and national officials estimated the number of evacuees at between 800 - 1,200 people, with damage reported to a home, a church and some bridges.


The nearly 6,000-foot (1,827-meter) volcano is one of Indonesia's most active. An eruption in August killed four people.

Late last week, Indonesia's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Management Agency raised the volcano's alert status to its highest level, after noting increased activity on March 11.

Ash clouds from Mount Karangetang reached 7,500 feet (2,300 meters) over the weekend, with lava reported flowing down the mountainside.


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