Mount Sinabung, in northern Sumatra, has been rumbling since September of last year and the eruptions have been intensifying in the last week. The following summary is from CNN (just in case you were wondering, we are a long, long ways from this volcano).
A volcanic eruption in Indonesia that has displaced more than 22,000 people is intensifying, local authorities say. Mount Sinabung, which began spewing gas in September after a three-year slumber, has erupted over 220 times this week. The hot ashes and smoke
have caused pyroclastic flows -- a fast-moving mass of gas and rocks --
to stretch to seven kilometers down the southeast slope of the 2,600
meter (8,530 foot) mountain in North Sumatra. Last week, flows reached
three kilometers.
The local government is
still able to cope with the disaster, and no casualties have been
reported according to Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for Indonesia's
national agency for disaster management.
The government has evacuated more than 22,000 people to 34 temporary camps. However one area, housing at least 1,000 residents, still lacks necessary provisions and shelter. The displaced say they
have urgent need for baby formula, clean water and gas, said local aid
coordinator in Jambur Siabang-abang. A national emergency hasn't been declared, but the government is prepared for the "worst case scenario."
