Mass evacuation in Indonesia as Java volcano erupts
Thousands of people are evacuating
their homes in Indonesia after a volcano erupted in east Java.
Mount Kelud spewed ash and debris over a large area, including the city of
Surabaya, about 130km (80 miles) away. Two people died after their houses collapsed under the weight of ash, officials said. Some towns were said to be covered by 4cm (1.6 in) of ash.
Three major airports in Surabaya, Solo and Yogyakarta were forced to shut down because of low visibility.
There are also fears that debris could damage aircraft engines.
Andi Wirson, general manager at the Yogyakarta airport, said: "The current conditions are that volcanic ash is now covering the runway, apron and tarmac. We have already measured the thickness of the volcanic ash, which is at 5cm on the runway and tarmac."
Residents wore masks to protect themselves from the
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Around 200,000 people were ordered to evacuated their
homes
This man became covered with ash as he travelled on
the roads of Yogyakarta
Officials raised an alert on Thursday around an hour before the volcano
erupted, and urged around people living in 36 villages in a 10km (6 mile) radius
around the volcano to evacuate.
Officials said two people died after their homes, which appeared to have weak structures, could not withstand the weight of gravel and ash, and caved in.
Some of the evacuees tried to visit their houses on Friday morning to gather clothing and valuables, but were forced to turn back by the continuous stream of volcanic ash and rocks from the volcano, AFP news agency reported
This man became covered with ash as he travelled on
the roads of Yogyakarta
Indonesia's disaster agency on Friday said that more
than 100,000 people had evacuated to temporary shelters.
Many in Indonesia are quite used to volcanic eruptions, and are reluctant to
leave their homes and belongings, correspondents say. Officials said two people died after their homes, which appeared to have weak structures, could not withstand the weight of gravel and ash, and caved in.
Some of the evacuees tried to visit their houses on Friday morning to gather clothing and valuables, but were forced to turn back by the continuous stream of volcanic ash and rocks from the volcano, AFP news agency reported
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