Major eruption imminent! (From ATSNN)

Thousands are being evacuated around Mount Merapi in Indonesia today, amidst fears that the volatile volcano may be about to erupt. Already in a state of constant lava flow, experts are unsure exactly how long it will be before eruption occurs, though it seems likely to be soon.



While unlikely to be of any significance globally, this will undoubtedly destroy the homes and lives of people living locally. Luckily, they appear to be well prepared so hopefully there will be no casualties and damage to property will be at a minimum.

[edit on 13-5-2006 by intrepid]

I dunno. depends on how hard this volcano blows.

remember Krakatoa, the massive volcano that blew up in 1883 and killed 36,000 people by the tsunamis and earthquakes it caused.



en.wikipedia.org...

You will see on the map below that Krakatoa and Merapi are not that far apart.

vulcan.wr.usgs.gov...

The only saving grace I see here is that Merapi is a bit further inland, though I dont know what good that will do. Its still close enough to trigger the underwater earthquakes and landslides necessary for tsunamis to occur.

And thats the last thing the poor folks of indonesia need.

Why are there so many things all at once which could kill us?

I saw a video of the people leaving the area around the volcano and it was so pittiful, to see them leave their livestock and everything they owned..

I hope they will be safe.

Already covered here:

Indonesia's Mount Merapi Ready to Blow


and here:

Volcano watch 2006


Closing this one. Any contributions can be added to one of the above threads.