Volcano in Indonesia to Erupt, Authorities Begin Evacuations

Indonesian authorities have ordered evacuations in anticipation of the eruption of Mount Merapi on Java Island. Volcanologists say there has been a major increase in volcanic activity at the 9,737 foot volcano over the past week and an eruption is imminent.

About 40,000 people live near the base of Merapi. Neulis Auliasari of the national disaster coordination board says officials are evacuating the villagers to “pre-assigned shelters.”

Meanwhile, Sumatra Island was hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake at 9:42 p.m. local time. The epicenter was located 149 miles south from Padang. At least five towns in Bengkulu and West Sumatra provinces reported feeling the earthquake. There are no reports of damages or casualties.

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