MOUNT MERAPI, INDONESIA --
An eruption this morning from Mount Merapi was the deadliest and most explosive yet of a string of eruptions that have occured for the past week. It sent more villagers fleeing for safety and left three locals dead this morning - setting the death toll at 44 people within 8 days. Most of these deaths came from the initial explosion/first day (October 26th) and the chaotic evacuations that followed. But it appears that there is more to come - state volcanologists predict that the worst is still yet to come. Mount Merapi is one of the world's most active volcanoes; killing 60 people in 1994 and destroying more than a dozen villages in 1930 - leaving up to 1,300 dead! Locals are crowded in government camps where 70,000 people may be staying for weeks or maybe even months. Ash fallout burst into the air as high as 20,000 feel - preventing planes to fly over the area. Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanoes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
To prevent further injuries and deaths, locals should stay clear of the hazardous areas and work corporately with the people giving aid/government camps. Volcanologists and Seismologists need to keep a close eye on Mount Merapi's actions and give fair advance warnings if danger is near.
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