Two volcanoes in Indonesia erupt: Air Travel stops

Air travel over parts of Indonesian have been temporarily rerouted due to the eruption of two volcanos on the islands of Java and Sumatra. Residents of the area who had previously been evacuated when volcanic activity began sporadically in September have been delayed in returning to their homes. One volcano, Mount Sinabung, was able to spew hot rock, ashes and lava as much as 8,000 meters skyward on the western portion of Sumatra. The second volcano, named Mount Merapi and located on the island of Java, required the evacuation of more than 500 residents after it began shooting steam, smoke and ash as far as 2,000 meters into the air.

“It was the strongest eruption in the recent days,” said Surono, who like many Indonesians uses a single name.

Both volcanos are part of more than two dozen active volcanos located throughout Indonesia. The area between the Indian and Pacific Oceans has traditionally been called the “Ring of Fire” due to the frequent and volatile eruptions that have spouted from volcanic mountains in the region for centuries. Residents as far as 50 kilometers away from the eruptions have been able to see the plumes of smoke rising steadily into the air, likely to cause pollution over a great portion of Indonesia, depending upon upcoming weather conditions.

On The Web:
Two Indonesian Volcanos Erupt
http://www.voanews.com/content/two-indonesian-volcanos-erupt/1792110.html