Indonesia Deaths Double in Volcano's Surprise Eruption

[Momof3angels]

By Lauren Frayer
Contributor, AOL News

(Nov. 5) -- The death toll from Indonesia's out-of-control volcano doubled overnight, as lava and searing gases shot unexpectedly beyond the danger zone, incinerating homes with residents still inside.

Loved ones are dragging blackened burn victims into a hospital in Mount Merapi's foothills, where a spokesman told The Associated Press that 58 bodies were dropped off overnight, making it the volcano's deadliest day in more than 80 years. "We're totally overwhelmed here!" he said.

Survivors recounted how fiery gas clouds -- believed to be 1400 degrees Fahrenheit -- swept down the mountainside around midnight while unsuspecting victims slept in their beds.

"Their clothes had melted onto their skin," said a Reuters photographer at the scene. Even at midday, people had to drive with their headlights on, because the air was thick with soot. "We can't see anything, it's very dark. The trees are all white with ash," he reported. "It's like it's raining sand."

Hours after the eruption subsided, a police medic told AFP he ventured into Argomulyo village to retrieve the bodies of several children. "The ground was still hot," he said.

Altogether, more than 100 people have died since Merapi began erupting Oct. 26, eerily timed to wreak havoc in central Java within 24 hours of an earthquake-stirred tsunami on Indonesia's opposite coasts that claimed more than 400 lives. Relief operations continue there as well.

After the surprising intensity of Thursday night's eruption, authorities have extended the danger zone to 20 kilometers (12 miles) out from the volcano. They've also closed the nearby Adi Sucipto Airport indefinitely, after discovering the runway blanketed with ash, Bloomberg News reported.

Indonesia Deaths Double in Mount Merapi's Surprise Midnight Eruption

[Momof3angels]

Horrible doesn't even begin to describe it.


Heavenly Father, we bring these people in Indonesia before You. We pray, Lord, that You would use these tragic circumstances to open their eyes and realize their need for You before it is too late. Lord, I pray You would bring workers into Indonesia to help these people, and who would teach Your word and bring these people to You.

[myinnuendo999]

Horrible doesn't even begin to describe it.


Heavenly Father, we bring these people in Indonesia before You. We pray, Lord, that You would use these tragic circumstances to open their eyes and realize their need for You before it is too late. Lord, I pray You would bring workers into Indonesia to help these people, and who would teach Your word and bring these people to You.

[Hannah]

Praying for the Lord to be merciful to the Indonesians. Praying for their salvation. Amen

[brethorn56]

Islam makes up approx. 86% of the religion in Indonesia. I stand with my Christian friends in praying for the people of this country to not only make it through these troubling times but to find the one and true Messiah, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

[Randy B]

Islam makes up approx. 86% of the religion in Indonesia. I stand with my Christian friends in praying for the people of this country to not only make it through these troubling times but to find the one and true Messiah, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Praying in agreement

[SonSeeker]

Praying in agreement

Amen!