Indonesia: Add a strong active volcano

One of the most active volcanoes in eastern Indonesia is Karangetang shining through intense eruption of hot gas and ash. However, there are still hundreds of people living in dangerous areas who will not evacuate.

Hot gas is erupting from Karangetang tops (Photo: volcanspro) The Siau island government, where Karangetang is located, has issued alarm status around the area during the past 2 weeks. Since then more than 4,000 people have been evacuated from surrounding villages. But there are still over 500 others who are determined to stay behind to take care of pets and crops.

According to Indonesian volcanic researcher Saut Simatupang, in the morning of 1783 meters high Karangetang erupted about 30 times hot lava and ash. He added that the government could not force people to evacuate or prevent them from returning home to keep their property.

In 1992, Karangetang erupted lava, killing six people on Siau Island. This is only part of the chain of Indonesian volcanoes because it is located on an area known as the 'Pacific Fire Ring'.

Active earthquakes and volcanoes threaten to stalk the Indonesian people. Most recently, a seismic off the island of Java earlier this month caused tsunamis that killed more than 600 people. Earlier in May, the earthquake that struck the island of Java also claimed 5,800 lives.

In addition, Indonesian scientists are paying special attention to the Merapi volcano operating on the island of Java. Now the danger from this paint fire has been reduced but it has previously left tens of thousands of people leaving their homes.