Mount Kelud Volcano Erupts in Indonesia
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declared a state of emergency on the main island of Java because of a major volcanic eruption. Mount Kelud in the east Java erupted and sends a cloud of ash 30 km into the sky and blanketed villages up to 500 km away.
- Ashfall occurred in large portion of JavaIsland, from Malang to the east, as well as Central Java and Yogyakarta.
- Around 200,000 people have been affected and there is widespread disruption to flights as several airports have been closed due to poor visibility.
- The 1,731-meter Mount Kelud is home to more than a half of Indonesia’s 240 million people. Kelud is among about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia.
- Kelud’s last major eruption was in 1990, when it spewed out searing fumes and lava that killed more than 30 people and injured hundreds.
Note:Indonesia lies across a series of geological fault-lines and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There are about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia.
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Month: Current Affairs - February, 2014
Category: Places in News Current Affairs