Mount Sinabung Volcano in Indonesia Erupts After 400 Years: Video

by Amy Judd | August 30, 2010 at 08:58 am

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Thousands of People Have Been Displaced After Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra Erupted For a Second Day

It has not erupted for 400 years, but now Mount Sinabung has forced thousands from their homes, and it is believed to have killed two people so far.

About 30,000 people who lived around and near the volcano had to leave over the weekend and it is unclear at this point when they will be able to return home. They are currently taking shelter in local churches, mosques and emergency shelters, according to freelance journalist Michel Maas, who spoke to the CBC.

"Nobody is sure how long this is going to last," Maas told CBC News in an interview from Indonesia. He said local residents are trying to move livestock to safety because they are not sure how long they will have to stay in emergency shelters.

Clouds of soot and ash can be seen for miles around and many were unprepared as the volcano last erupted in 1600.

"We really have no idea what to expect," Surono, a government volcanologist who uses only one name, said after the mountain's alert was raised to the highest level.

CNN reports that the eruption has now stopped, but more gas masks are needed to help residents protect themselves from the thick smoke.

At this point the volcano has not affected any flights, except small domestic ones, but officials are concerned that if the volcano continues to erupt, then it could affect planes as they would not be able to just fly over the plume.