Indonesian Volcano Eruption: At Least 10 Killed
10 People Dead After Volcano Eruption in Indonesia
At least 10 people have been killed after a volcano erupted in Indonesia, officials have said.
What happened?
The eruption occurred on Sunday (4 February) at Mount Semeru, in East Java.
It sent clouds of ash and smoke 15,000 metres into the atmosphere and blanketed nearby villages in volcanic ash.
The eruption also triggered a pyroclastic flow, a fast-moving current of gas and volcanic material that can reach temperatures of up to 700 degrees Celsius.
The flow destroyed at least 50 homes and caused extensive damage to infrastructure.
What is the latest?
The death toll is expected to rise as emergency workers continue to search for survivors.
More than 1,300 people have been evacuated from the area and are being housed in temporary shelters.
The Indonesian government has deployed a team of disaster response experts to the area to help with the relief effort.
What are the causes?
Mount Semeru is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia.
It has erupted several times in recent years, most recently in December 2021.
The eruption on Sunday was caused by a build-up of pressure beneath the volcano.
What are the risks?
The eruption of Mount Semeru has raised concerns about the safety of people living in the area.
The pyroclastic flow that occurred on Sunday was particularly dangerous, as it can travel at speeds of up to 700 kilometres per hour.
The ash and smoke from the eruption can also cause respiratory problems and eye irritation.
What is being done?
The Indonesian government is working to evacuate people from the area and provide them with shelter and other assistance.
The government is also monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to take further action if necessary.
The Indonesian Red Cross is also providing assistance to those affected by the eruption.
What can I do to help?
There are a number of ways that you can help people affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru.
You can donate money to the Indonesian Red Cross or other relief organizations.
You can also share information about the eruption on social media to raise awareness.