15 People Killed in Mount Merapi Eruption

At least 15 people were killed Tuesday when Mount Merapi in Java, Indonesia erupted. Several journalists are reportedly among the dead. Merapi erupted at least 3 times, spewing ash and smoke into the air.

The Indonesian government began evacuating villages on Merapi on Monday. Volcanologists warned that a major increase in volcanic activity at the 9,737 foot volcano over the past week indicated an eruption was imminent.

Meanwhile, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit off Sumatra Island Monday. At least 40 people died and 380 others are missing. The earthquake generated a significant tsunami. Witnesses reported seeing an 18-foot high wave. At least one village with about 200 residents was completely swept away. Only 40 of those villagers have been found. Residents of Mentawai Island reported seeing a nearly 10-foot high wave.

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