The current eruption of Mount Merapi Volcano in Indonesia is another event in this volcano's long history of activity.

Mount Merapi Volcano is active again, and this comes as no surprise to the people who live near this volcano. Indonesia is known for its active and explosive volcanoes, but few are as active as Mount Merapi. What makes the volcano even more dangerous is that it is located near densley populated areas, where evacuating communities can be its own hazard.

The Current Eruption of Mount Merapi Volcano

The current eruption of Mount Merapi began, approximately, the morning of October 26, 2010. Local scientists and resident reported "rumblings" originating from the volcano, which was followed by a small eruption of an ash and gas plume. The ash fell back down on nearby villagers and burned people who were outside their homes trying to flee at the time. Many villagers, who farm on the flanks of the volcano because of the rich and fertile soil, have yet to evacuate as they fear leaving behind their land and possessions.

For now, the eruption is mild and only residents living within four miles of the summit crater have been forced to evacuate. But scientists fear that a much larger eruption is imminent and are currently trying to convince thousands of other residents living on the volcano to evacuate. Fatalities have occurred from the eruption of hot ash and authorities expect more if the volcano's activity increases.